The change in selected properties of ceramic materials obtained from ceramic brick treated by the sulphate and chloride ions

Long-term use of bricks in different conditions, particularly in the contact with moisture, results in the accumulation of various substances and compounds, which over time causes a change of the performance in the negative direction. Therefore, the studies have been undertaken, which the goal was to determine the effect of the presence of the sulphate and chloride ions on the compressive strength and the surface hardness of the ceramic bricks. The studies have been conducted on the samples cut out from the ceramic bricks, that have been exposed to the corrosive solution of magnesium sulphate, sodium chloride and a solution containing both of these salts, simultaneously. The obtained results indicate that the presence of these ions in the body of ceramic bricks provokes a change of the surface hardness and the compressive strength.