MAGNESIUM BINDER WITH THE MICRO-SILICA ADDITIVE

The authors demonstrate that the use of the dry mix that constitutes caustic magnesite and a micro-silica additive makes it possible to obtain a binding material that contributes to formation of a durable and water-resistant artificial stone. The results of the research performed through the employment of methods of Fourier IR spectroscopy and electronic microscopy are provided. Interaction between magnesium oxide (MgO) as the basic oxide and micro-silica as the acidic oxide is proposed. The compressive strength of the dry mix containing 16.7 % of micro-silica has been measured. In the event of hydraulic hardening, the compressive strength is equal to 11.5 MPa and 12.0 MPa in dry and water-saturated states, respectively. In the aftermath of air setting, the compressive strength is 10.0 MPa and 21.0 MPa in dry and water-saturated states, respectively. Thereafter, the dry mix is gaged by the sulfuric acid solution (10 %) to identify the pH influence. In the event of hydraulic hardening, the compressive strength is 19.8 MPa and 14.1 MPa in dry and water-saturated states, respectively. In the aftermath of air setting, the compressive strength is 18.0 MPa and 19.9 MPa in dry and water-saturated states, respectively