Over the past couple weeks, I have been able to identify 5 substances that may cause porosity in concrete. I also found some concrete pavers and spray bottles on homedepot.com that are quite cheap but seem of good quality. I still have 9 substances to identify, which I expect to be completed by Monday (3/21). After that, I will get the entire set up prepared and start experimenting on the following Friday.
While researching the potential liquids, I realized how much searching and digging it takes to find substances that have a chance of changing the concrete. I learned that I like these kinds of research projects, but I get sidetracked easily. For example, I was looking at what effects carbonated water could have on the concrete, and within a few moments, I found myself on the Wikipedia page about FritoLay.
Concrete Pavers
http://www.homedepot.com/p/12-in-x-12-in-Pewter-Concrete-Step-Stone-71200/100333077
Spray Bottles
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Continental-24-oz-Sprayer-and-Bottle-3-per-Pack-CMC9223SP/205907081
1. Sakrete Concrete and Mortar Dissolver
Meant to remove concrete from surfaces, looking to apply it for creating porosity
2. Sulfuric Acid
Generally strong acid that should dissolve some of the concrete
3. Carbonated Water
The carbon dioxide may cause carbonatation
4. Calcium Chloride
Removes calcium hydroxide, an important component of concrete
5. Gypsum dissolved in water
Causes cracking and loss of "stickiness" in the concrete
Nice work overall...What are you doing to help counteract getting distracted easily? :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like your project is really coming along! I was wondering what you are going to do with all the data once you have collected it. Maybe you could try to mix your own concrete so it won't dissolve.
ReplyDeletePretty interesting! Hum, when you said those materials were relatively cheap, about how much were they, because you have to give yourself a max price limit or something. Maybe under $50 or $100, even that is a lot!
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