Abstract
Frost weathering of porous materials caused by seasonal temperature changes is a major source of damage to the world's infrastructure and cultural heritage. Here we investigate poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) addition as a means to enhance the freeze-thaw durability of concrete without compromising its structural or mechanical integrity. We evaluate the ice recrystallization inhibition activity of PVA in a cementitious environment and the impact of PVA on key structural and mechanical properties, such as cement hydration (products), microstructure, strength, as well as freeze-thaw resistance. We find that a low amount of PVA significantly reduces the surface scaling of concrete and displays excellent ice recrystallization inhibition in the saturated Ca(OH)2 solution, which has a similar pH value as cement pore solution, while it does not affect cement hydration, microstructure, nor its mechanical properties. These findings contribute to new insights on the freeze-thaw damage mechanism, and more importantly, we disclose a new direction for the design of concrete with excellent freeze-thaw resistance.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 12825-12831 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | ACS Omega |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 9 Jun 2020 |
Funding
Z.Y.Q. is grateful to the China Scholarship Council (20160695006) for its financial support. I.K.V. is grateful to the European Union (ERC-2014-StG Contract No. 635928), the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO ECHO Grant No. 712.016.0002), and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Gravity Program 024.001.035) for their financial support.
Funders | Funder number |
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European Union's Horizon 2020 - Research and Innovation Framework Programme | 635928 |
European Commission | |
Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap | 024.001.035 |
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek | 712.016.0002 |
China Scholarship Council | 20160695006 |