A novel method and mechanism for enhancing frost resistance in cement using hydrogel

作者：Zhaoqiang Lu, Shuguang Liu, Dandan Yin, Liqiang Yin, Changwang Yan, Xiaoxiao Wang, Shihui Liu, Lin Li · 发表于：Construction and Building Materials · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140482 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity、Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Stabilization、Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

The freeze-thaw durability of cementitious materials is a critical issue for long-term infrastructure performance. This paper proposes a novel approach that transitions from traditional passive methods of improving frost resistance to an active method. It fundamentally inhibits the freezing of pore water and reduces or eliminates frost heave forces. Hydrogels were prepared using a physical freeze-thaw method and its formation mechanism, microstructure, and mechanical properties were thoroughly analyzed. The hydrogels were then broken into particles and incorporated into cement to create enhanced cementitious materials. The frost resistance of these composites was evaluated to elucidate the mechanism by which the hydrogels improve frost resistance. Results indicated that the addition of hydrogels did not lead to the formation of new hydration products but promoted cement hydration by maintaining more unfrozen water. The amount of ice formation and the freezing rate in hydrogel cement composites were significantly lower than in pure cement paste . This effectively inhibited freeze-thaw damage and substantially improved frost resistance. Specifically, the mass loss rate of cement paste reached 7.19 % after only 125 freeze-thaw cycles, exceeding the freeze-thaw damage threshold. In contrast, hydrogel-enhanced cementitious materials demonstrated a mass loss rate of just 0.15 % after 250 freeze-thaw cycles. They also exhibited a compressive strength reduction of only about 10 %, ma...