Mortars with crystalline additive in aggressive environments

The paper describes how a crystalline additive influences the properties of cement- based composites. The investigation was focused on the degradation of mortars with crystalline additive exposed to selected aggressive environments. The specimens were tested for compressive and flexural strength. The influence on the microstructure is also discussed (high pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry, SEM, DTA). The results confirmed the positive influence of a crystalline additive on the values of compressive strength after exposure to all aggressive environments. (paper)