TRANSFORMATION OF POLYSULFIDES MOLECULES IN NANOSCALE SULFUR PARTICLES IN POROUS INORGANIC SYSTEMS
The hydrophobization process of concrete pore space with water solution of calcium polysulfide has been considered. It was found that concrete acquires water repellency as a result of transformation of molecules of calcium polysulfide to sulfur nanoparticles. It was shown that the transformation of polysulfide sulfur molecules into the nanoparticles occurs by a single mechanism, as a result of drying in the pores and by the formation of sulfur hydrosol when polysulfide solution is mixed with acid solutions. It was established by scanning probe microscopy, after processing of the polysulfide solution at the concrete cleavages the nanosized rounded formation is appeared, which prevent water penetration into the concrete. By impregnation of calcium carbonate and magnesia and subsequent dissolution in hydrochloric acid, it was found that a nanosized rounded formation, which appeared on the surface of pores turns to be nanoparticles of sulfur. The effect of reduction of water absorption can be used to protect the building materials and the most vulnerable parts of buildings as basements, foundations and places on the facades exposed to rain, snow and groundwater.