Work

Properties study of cement pastes synergistically reinforced with chloride salts: The damaging effect of negative temperature and sulfate erosion on mechanical properties

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study elucidates the hydration characteristics and durability modulation mechanisms of cement paste subjected to the combined influences of low-temperature curing and sulfate attack, focusing on the synergistic role of a CaCl 2 –BaCl 2 binary admixture system. CaCl 2 acted as a cryoprotectant, accelerating hydration under subzero conditions by promoting Friedel’s salt formation, which in turn enhanced early-age strength development. At an optimized dosage of 12.5 % CaCl 2 , the 54-day compressive strength exhibited an 86.99 % improvement compared with the control, verifying its hydration-promoting efficiency. The co-incorporation of BaCl 2 further contributed to durability enhancement through a dual-protection mechanism: externally, Ba 2 + reacted with SO 4 2- to form dense BaSO 4 barrier layers that hindered ionic penetration; internally, Ba 2+ consumed infiltrating SO 2- , suppressing the generation of expansive phases such as gypsum and ettringite. This process effectively alleviated sulfate-induced deterioration while simultaneously maintaining hydration continuity under freezing conditions. Although CaCl 2 addition facilitated faster ion migration during subzero curing, this effect diminished during subsequent ambient-temperature exposure, as hydration recovery occurred in reference samples. Nevertheless, excessive CaCl 2 led to structural degradation through dissolution channel formation and crystallization stress-induced microcracking, underscoring the importance of dosage control. Overall, the combined use of CaCl 2 and BaCl 2 was shown to significantly enhance both low-temperature hydration kinetics and long-term sulfate resistance. The findings provide valuable theoretical insight and practical guidance for the durability design of cementitious materials exposed to aggressive sulfate-bearing permafrost environments.

Source: Case Studies in Construction Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e05337

Authors: Yibing Yu, Shaojun Zheng, Tianle Liu, Mingsheng Chen, Wenqiang Lou, Xi Wang

Institutions: Yangtze University, Key Laboratory of Drilling and Production Engineering for Oil and Gas, Hubei Province, China University of Geosciences

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,660