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Efflorescence: Uninvited Mystery Guest

Preetpal Singh

Abstract


Since the introduction of modern pigmented concrete products in the early1950’s, coloured concrete products have opened new possibilities in the field of building and landscape design and ironically to a new visible phenomenon called efflorescence. Unfortunately, despite careful selection of raw materials and conscientious compliance with the production parameters, colour changes of the finished products are always the enemy. Efflorescence is a deposit of salts, usually white, formed on a surface, the substance having emerged in solution from within either concrete or masonry and subsequently precipitated by evaporation. The word efflorescence is derived from the Latin word efflorescence, which means to blossom out.


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References


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