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CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY52 CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 2 | 2026 www.cpi-worldwide.comtesting results, it can be concluded that even hematite-based sulfur concrete, containing significant quantities of iron oxides that are potentially reactive in acidic media, retains excellent mechanical integrity under the corrosion conditions and immersion duration adopted in this study. This resilience primarily arises from the hydrophobicity and high compactness of the sulfur matrix, which effectively restricts acid ingress and protects the internal structure. The bubbles observed in the hydrochloric acid solution are therefore attributed mainly to surface iron impurities, while the resulting iron chloride species are easily dissolved and dispersed within the solution, preventing any localized damage that could lead to significant strength degradation.ConclusionThe main findings are as follows:1. The strength of sulfur concrete specimens is strongly influenced by the mixing and the cooling method applied after casting. Inadequate mixing can cause differences within the same batch, resulting in regions with excessive or insufficient binder content, which in turn affects compressive strength. Moreover, controlled and uniform cooling from the exterior is the preferred curing approach, as it promotes even distribution of volumetric shrinkage during the sulfur phase transition, thereby preventing surface defects and preserving specimen integrity.2. Using hematite to replace silica sand as aggregate in sulfur concrete significantly enhances its thermal cycling durability; after 14 cycles of 20-110%u00b0C temperature loading, it still maintains considerable structural strength. This demonstrates that, beyond optimizing the sulfur binder itself through organic modifiers, substituting functional aggregates represents another viable design approach. This method proves more environmentally friendly and sustainable than relying solely on organic modifiers, aligning with future requirements for green building materials.3. The intrinsic hydrophobicity and chemical stability of sulfur give excellent corrosion resistance to sulfur concrete. Under the experimental conditions, only the specimen incorporating hematite as aggregate exhibited slight dissolution of surface iron impurities after 90 days of immersion in diluted hydrochloric acid, leading to minor surface material loss. All other specimens remained unaffected. This localized dissolution was limited in extent and did not compromise the overall structural integrity of the specimens. nReference[1] R. Fediuk et al., %u201cA critical review on the properties and applications of sulfur-based concrete,%u201d Materials, vol. 13, no. 21, p. 4712, 2020.[2] Q. Wang and D. Snoeck, %u201cTo boldly go where no one has gone before: Sulfur concrete, a promising construction material fulfilling the demands for a sustainable future on celestial objects: A review,%u201d Mater. Today, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.mattod.2023.12.005.[3] %u201cGuide for Mixing and Placing Sulfur Concrete in Construction,%u201d ACI Mater. J., vol. 85, no. 4, 1988, doi: 10.14359/2150.[4] R. F. Bacon and H. S. Davis, Recent advances in the American sulphur industry. 1921.[5] J. J. Beaudoin and P. J. Sereda, Freeze-thaw Durability of Sulfur Concrete. National Research Council Canada, Division of Building Research, 1974.[6] L. J. Crow and R. C. Bates, Strengths of sulfur-basalt concretes, vol. 7349. US Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines, 1970.[7] V. M. Malhotra, %u201cEffect of Specimen Size on compressive strength of sulfur concrete. Division Report No. IR 74-25,%u201d Energy Mines Resour. Can. Ottwa, 1974.[8] M. D. Cohen, %u201cDamage mechanism of cyclic freezing %u2014 thawing in sulfur concrete,%u201d Cem. Concr. Res., vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 357%u2013360, Mar. 1987, doi: 10.1016/0008-8846(87)90118-9.[9] R. H. Funke Jr and W. C. McBee, %u201cAn Industrial Application of Sulfur Concrete,%u201d ACS Publications, 1982.[10] W. C. McBee, T. A. Sullivan, and B. W. Jong, Corrosion-resistant sulfur concretes, vol. 8758. US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, 1983.[11] A. Adesina, %u201cRecent advances in the concrete industry to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions,%u201d Environ. Chall., vol. 1, p. 100004, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.envc.2020.100004.[12] J. J. Beaudoin and R. F. Feldman, %u201cDurability of porous systems impregnated with dicyclopentadiene-modified sulphur,%u201d Int. J. Cem. Compos. Lightweight Concr., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 13%u201318, Feb. 1984, doi: 10.1016/0262-5075(84)90055-1.[13] B. van Ravenzwaay et al., %u201cThe short-term toxicity and metabolome of dicyclopentadiene,%u201d Toxicol. Lett., vol. 393, pp. 57%u201368, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.01.005.[14] M. H. Shahsavari, M. M. Karbala, S. Iranfar, and V. Vandeginste, %u201cMartian and lunar sulfur concrete mechanical and chemical properties considering regolith ingredients and sublimation,%u201d Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 350, p. 128914, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128914.[15] L. Wan, R. Wendner, and G. Cusatis, %u201cA novel material for in situ construction on Mars: experiments and numerical simulations,%u201d Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 120, pp. 222%u2013231, 2016.[16] A. Yusupova, R. Ahmetova, and A. Bobrishev, %u201cSulfur concrete made from sulfur waste of petrochemical plants and silica containing compounds,%u201d Mater. Today Proc., vol. 19, pp. 2333%u20132336, Jan. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2019.07.682.[17] Q. Wang, M.-P. Delplancke, and D. Snoeck, %u201cSulfur Mortar Goes to Infinity: Mechanical Performance and Characterization of Sulfur Mortar Composed of Different Aggregates During Heating Cycles, Exploring Potential Sustainability, Recyclability, and Circularity,%u201d Sustainability, vol. 16, no. 24, p. 10803, 2024.[18] European Committee for Standardization, %u201cEN 196-1:2016 %u2013 Methods of testing cement,%u201d CEN, Brussels, Belgium, EN 196-1:2016, 2016.[19] M. M. Vlahovic, S. P. Martinovic, T. Dj. Boljanac, P. B. Jovanic, and T. D. Volkov-Husovic, %u201cDurability of sulfur concrete in various aggressive environments,%u201d Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 25, no. 10, pp. 3926%u20133934, Oct. 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.04.024.www.cpi-worldwide.comCONCRETE TECHNOLOGY CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY96 CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 2 | 2025 www.cpi-worldwide.com www.cpi-worldwide.com CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 2 | 2025 97Kraft Curing Systems is proud to be a technology leader in concrete curing. As a team dedicated to innovation, they are excited to share their latest advancements, including the Match-Cure System with Predictive Maturity, the E-Cure System, and the CO2 TestCube. Additionally, as Kraft Curing Systems prepares for bauma 2025, they look forward to showcasing their cutting-edge solutions, alongside the expansion of their operations with the new Logistics and Competence Center at the headquarters in Lindern, Ger- many, set to break ground in summer 2025.Expanding for the Future Beyond product innovations, Kraft Curing Systems is making a significant investment in their future with the construction of a new Logistics and Competence Center, set to start in summer 2025. This facility will serve as a central hub for logistics, production, and technical innovation, allowing for expanded capabilities and the development of curing solutions such as the patented and one-of-a-kind Kraft%u00ae Racks. The new Competence Center will also provide hands-on technical training and workshops, reinforcing the dedication to knowledge-sharing and industry education. This expansion will enable Kraft Curing Systems to not only increase their production capacity but also strengthen their ability to sup- port customers worldwide with advanced solutions and ex- pert guidance.Concrete Curing Innovations One of the most exciting recent breakthroughs is the Match- Cure System with Predictive Maturity Control, designed to provide real-time data on concrete strength development. This system allows manufacturers to optimize their production processes, reduce curing times, and improve overall efficiency by predicting the maturity and performance of concrete with unparalleled accuracy. Predictive maturity control enables users to set necessary strength and allotted time, automatically allowing the system to determine the best curing process.Match-Cure with Predictive Maturity Control provides real-time curing monitoring, allowing users to track concrete strength gain as it occurs. It enhances precise production planning by forecasting the exact time for detensioning or demolding, eliminating guesswork, and reducing errors. The system automatically adjusts the curing profile based on the required maturity and strength, ensuring consistent results. By implementing Predictive Maturity, manufacturers can benefit from quick reaction alerts if curing is delayed, allowing them to make immediate adjustments. This system also helps save time and personnel costs by enabling production teams to plan more efficiently, ensuring workers are availa- ble precisely when needed. Additionally, energy savings are Pioneering Innovation in Concrete Curing Kraft Curing Systems GmbH, 49699 Lindern, Germanyachieved by avoiding unnecessary heating and curing durations, significantly lowering operational expenses.Another significant advancement is the E-Cure System. This electric-powered curing system provides consistent and controlled heating, accelerating the curing process while reducing energy costs. With radiant heating units placed under- neath molds, beds, or forms, E-Cure ensures uniform curing without the need for fossil fuels, making it both an effective and sustainable solution for concrete production.In line with the commitment to sustainability, Kraft Curing Systems introduced the CO2 TestCube, a test chamber that eval- uates the sequestration potential of CO2 in concrete prod- ucts. The TestCube also enables users to test with heat and humidity, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the industry. This innovative tool allows manufacturers to assess how CO2 can enhance strength and quality, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to more environmentally friendly building practices.The Pulse of Innovation on Display at bauma 2025 The Kraft team is looking forward to connecting with custom- ers, partners, and industry professionals at bauma, showcasing a range of solutions. One of the key highlights at booth 12.9 will be the aforementioned Match-Cure with Predictive Maturity, an advanced system that takes quality control to the next level by automatically determining the optimal curing process for the earliest possible detensioning and demolding. Visitors will also be able to see the Retractable Enclosures with Vapor Curing, which provide an economical and weath- erproof solution while integrating vapor curing and air circulation systems to ensure optimal curing conditions.Another highlight is the Containerized ThermalCure%u00ae, a pre-plumbed and pre-wired system that accelerates curing through radiant heat emitted from fin-tube pipes For those looking to experience an optimized curing climate firsthand, the operational Kraft%u00ae Racks Curing Chamber will be available at booth b12.2, allowing visitors to step inside and witness the patented curing system in action. Kraft Curing Systems will also showcase real-world applications of their curing technologies through a series of %u201cCuring Systems in Action%u201d videos, illustrating how their solutions fit into differ- ent concrete production processes at booth b2.150 between halls b1 and b2.Beyond these technological advancements, Kraft Curing Systems will highlight their commitment to sustainability with CO2 curing. Additionally, the renewable energy solutions will be on display, featuring high-efficiency stainless steel heat exchangers that recycle warm air, cut heating costs by up to 75%, and provide enhanced humidity control.A Commitment to Excellence %u201cAt Kraft Curing Systems, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of curing technology while supporting our customers with the best solutions available,%u201d said Michael Kraft. %u201cWith our latest innovations and the expansion of our operations, we are excited to shape the future of concrete curing. As Bauma 2025 approaches and the Logistics and Competence Center nears its groundbreaking, we remain at the forefront of the industry, driving progress and setting new standards in concrete curing technology.%u201d nFURTHER INFORMATIONKraft Curing Systems GmbH M%u00fchlenberg 2, 49699 Lindern, Germany T +49 5957 96120 info@kraftcuring.comwww.kraftcuring.comStand B2.150, Stand B12.2, Stand B12.9Site of the future expansion of the Kraft Curing Headquarters.The predictive maturity control option for the Match-Cure Quality Control System allows producers to decide when the product is ready for demoulding or detensioning.A retractable enclosure with integrated vapor curing in action.A look back at booth 12.2 at the 2022 bauma.2 www.cpi-worldwide.com2025Concrete Plant International Worldwide English EditionBAUMA 2025 %u2013 NEWS +++ BAUMA 2025 %u2013 NEWS +++ BAUMA 2025 %u2013 NEWS +++ BAUMA 2025 %u2013 NEWS CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY Wireless embedded sensor for monitoring internal relative humidity in concrete CONCRETE PRODUCTS New control concepts to increase effi ciency in concrete block and paver production PRECAST CONCRETE ELEMENTS Flexible transformer substation moulds in demand in Europe MIXED AND COMPACTED Concrete barrel instead of barrique barrelRATEC MOULDS TURN BETTER IDEAS INTO SERIES PRODUCTIONWhen it comes to smart 3D mould solutions for precast concrete production %u2013 think of us. BETTER IDEAS %u2013 Made in Germany! >> www.ratec.org Visit us at Hall B1, Stand 348 April 7 %u2013 13, 2025 I Munich2502_cpi_U1-4_en.indd 1 28.02.25 12:05SUBSCRIPTION