Quantitative evaluation of sulfur-polymer matrix composite quality

In order to predict service life of the sulfur–polymer composite, the samples were subjected to the induced destruction using 10% hydrochloric acid solution. Control specimens were prepared using Portland cement binder. Sulfur–polymer composite showed limited mechanical strength and mass loss, while physico-mechanical properties of Portland cement composite regressed rapidly. The Image Pro Plus software was used for surface destruction monitoring. The simulations for composites were applied to the previously reported model for predicting the mechanical strength degradation during durability testing, based on the image analysis results. The results proved that the time gradient of structural change was useful for quantification of service life, therefore it can be accepted as a parameter that represents service life.