LAUSR

The paper presents the results and findings of the research focused on an examination of progressive degradation of newly developed composite materials. These materials consisted of a polymer-silicate matrix and a mix of fillers with a considerable proportion of a porous aggregate. The matrix also contained a larger amount of alternative raw materials, in particular hightemperature fly ash and blast furnace slag. Prepared mixes were tested after different periods of exposure to an aggressive environment – for 45 d and 90 d (50 and 100 cycles). First, after 45 d and 90 d, reference materials (i.e., those not exposed to aggressive influences) were tested. In parallel, tests were carried out with materials exposed to a solution of chloride ions and subjected to cyclic freeze and thaw. The last mode of testing in this research included materials exposed to cyclic freeze and thaw, chloride-ion solution and the consequent thermal load of up to 1000 °C. The level of degradation was evaluated by means of physico-mechanical, physico-chemical and microstructural test methods. It was found that the exposure to cyclic freeze and thaw, water and chloride ions has no considerable influence on the reduction of the thermal resistance of the developed mix designs of polymer-silicate-based composites.