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IS 4832:2000 (Part 3) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for chemical resistant mortars, part iii: sulphur type. This standard prescribes the requirements and methods of sampling and test for sulphur-type chemical resistant mortars used for bonding chemical resistant bricks and tiles. It covers material composition, physical properties, and testing criteria to ensure durability in acidic industrial environments.
chemical resistant mortars, Part III: Sulphur type
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
! Sulphur mortars must be heated and poured hot; strict temperature control (typically around 130-140°C) is required to prevent thickening or burning of the sulphur.
! Not recommended for use in strong alkaline conditions or environments with strong oxidizing agents like concentrated nitric acid.
! The service temperature of the mortar must not exceed 90°C, as sulphur melts near 115-120°C.
Standard Specification for Chemically Setting Silicate and Silica Chemical-Resistant Mortars
Directly covers specifications for sodium and potassium silicate chemical-resistant mortars for bonding acid-resistant brick.
DIN 28062-1:1990-10Deutsches Institut für Normung, Germany
HighWithdrawn
Acid-proof constructions; Mortars; Part 1: Requirements for mortars
Covered requirements for various chemical resistant mortars, including silicate types (Kittart SK), for acid-proof construction.
ASTM C399-98(2022)ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Practice for Use of Chemically Setting Chemical-Resistant Silicate and Silica Mortars
A companion standard focusing on the proper use, mixing, and installation of silicate mortars, rather than their material specification.
Key Differences
≠ASTM C466 specifies significantly higher minimum compressive strength requirements (21.4-24.1 MPa) compared to IS 4832 (10.5-14.0 MPa) for both sodium and potassium silicate types.
≠IS 4832 has a stricter maximum water absorption limit of 10% for both mortar types, whereas ASTM C466 allows for higher absorption (up to 18% for sodium silicate and 14% for potassium silicate).
≠IS 4832 provides a specific maximum limit for final setting time (8 days), while ASTM C466 does not specify a maximum limit, instead requiring the manufacturer to report the final set time as determined by a specific test method.
≠The minimum bond strength required by ASTM C466 (1.0 MPa) is approximately 40% higher than the requirement in IS 4832 (0.7 MPa).
Key Similarities
≈Both standards classify the mortars into two primary types based on the binder: Sodium silicate type and Potassium silicate type.
≈The core set of physical properties evaluated is nearly identical, including setting time, compressive strength, bond strength, and water absorption, reflecting a common understanding of critical performance metrics.
≈Both standards specify a similar curing period of 7 days at ambient temperature (approx. 23-27 °C) before conducting mechanical strength tests.
≈The intended application for the mortars is the same in both standards: for bonding acid-resistant bricks and tiles in the construction of chemically resistant masonry structures.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Compressive Strength (7 days, Potassium Silicate)
Min 14.0 MPa
Min 24.1 MPa (3500 psi)
ASTM C466
Compressive Strength (7 days, Sodium Silicate)
Min 10.5 MPa
Min 21.4 MPa (3100 psi)
ASTM C466
Bond Strength (7 days)
Min 0.7 MPa
Min 1.0 MPa (150 psi)
ASTM C466
Water Absorption
Max 10.0%
Max 14.0% (Potassium), Max 18.0% (Sodium)
ASTM C466
Initial Setting Time / Working Time
Initial Setting Time: Min 15 minutes
Working Time: Min 15 minutes
ASTM C466
Final Setting Time
Max 8 days
No limit specified; must be reported by manufacturer
ASTM C466
Chemical Resistance Test (Acid)
Max 3.0% loss in mass (H₂SO₄ 70%, HCl 35%, HNO₃ 10%)
Weight change to be reported as per ASTM C267; no specific limit in C466
ASTM C466
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Maximum service temperature90°C
Compressive strength (min)28 N/mm²
Tensile strength (min)2.8 N/mm²
Flexural strength (min)8.5 N/mm²
Moisture absorption (max)1.0 percent by mass
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements of Sulphur Type Mortars