Experimental Study on the Performance of Sustainable Epoxy Resin-Modified Concrete Under Coupled Salt Corrosion and Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Zhen Zhang, Fang Zhang, Chuangzhou Wu () and Yafei Chen
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Zhen Zhang: School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang Institute of Technology, Aksu 843100, China
Fang Zhang: School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang Institute of Technology, Aksu 843100, China
Chuangzhou Wu: Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
Yafei Chen: School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang Institute of Technology, Aksu 843100, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-21

Abstract: Epoxy resin-modified concrete (ERMC) demonstrates significant potential for enhancing the durability of concrete structures exposed to harsh environmental conditions. However, the performance of ERMC under the combined effects of salt erosion and freeze–thaw cycles remains inadequately explored. This study systematically evaluates the durability of ERMC through experimental investigations on specimens with epoxy resin-poly ash ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. Resistance to salt erosion was assessed using composite salt solutions with concentrations of 0%, 1.99%, 9.95%, and 19.90%, while frost resistance was tested under combined conditions using a 1.99% Na 2 SO 4 solution. Key performance metrics were analyzed with microstructural observations to elucidate the underlying damage mechanisms, including the compressive strength corrosion coefficient, dynamic elastic modulus, mass loss rate, and flexural strength loss rate. The results reveal that incorporating epoxy resin enhances concrete’s resistance to salt erosion and freeze–thaw damage by inhibiting crack propagation and reducing pore development. Optimal performance was achieved with an epoxy resin content of 10–15%, which exhibited minimal surface deterioration, a denser microstructure, and superior long-term durability. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing the design of ERMC to improve the resilience of concrete structures in aggressive environments, demonstrating that ERM is a sustainable material, and offering practical implications for infrastructure exposed to extreme climatic and chemical conditions.

Keywords: ERMC; salt erosion; durability; freeze–thaw cycles; sustainable material (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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