Study on the Low-temperature Performance of High-early-strength Cement using Nitrite/Nitrate-based Anti-freezing agent

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of nitrite/nitrate-based antifreeze agent solution (CN45) on the early hydration of early-strength cement mortar under low-temperature conditions. The performance of CN45 under two different low-temperature environments was discussed. The results show that the optimal antifreeze effect is achieved with 5.72% of CN45 at −5 °C. Additionally, the antifreeze effect is temperature-dependent. At 0 °C, considering cost factors, there is no need to add antifreeze to meet the engineering requirements. CN45 mitigates the hydration delay caused by low temperatures by accelerating the hydration of C₃S and βC₂S, thereby improving early compressive strength. These findings provide theoretical support for the use of CN45 in high-early-strength cement applications in cold environments.