ABSTRACT
Chemical corrosion of building materials, being constantly exposed to wet, freezing and polluted atmospheric conditions, is one of basic factors influencing their durability. Deterioration of the microstructure of roofing tiles can be understood and solved by analyzing the complex interactions of ceramic system, water and pollutants in defined conditions of application.
The appearance of the crystalline forms: calcium silicate hydrates, aluminate hydrates, cancrinite, scawtite and zeolites is identified as the main cause of deterioration phenomena within roof tile samples exposed to hydrothermal and acidic conditions, simulating the polluted environment.
The correlation between the appearance and the ratio of new crystal forms, the exerted pressure of crystallization process and the degree of microstructure destruction have been established.
The results of the investigation contribute to better understanding of corrosion causes and mechanisms, being in the same time the basis for estimating the chemical corrosion resistance of roofing tiles.
