RESEARCH OF FORMATION OF THE PORE STRUCTURE OF CEMENT SYSTEMS THAT HARDEN AT LOW AND NEGATIVE TEMPERATURES

The article covers the formation of the pore structure of cement systems that harden at low and negative temperatures. Temperature fluctuations that accompany the hydration of cement systems can produce a substantial impact onto the chemical activity of the water in the course of hydration. These factors can produce an adverse impact on the formation of the structure of the cement stone and impair its performance characteristics. The formation of the structure of cement systems is dependent on the impact of specialized additives, including antifreeze agents that facilitate hydration at low and negative temperatures. The research of their action and the nature of their influence on the formation of the microstructure of the cement stone facilitate the purposeful adjustment of their properties. Therefore, modification of cement systems by specialized antifreeze components is a relevant objective of scientific and practical research. Research of a classical cement system (a benchmark composition) and a cement system modified by a specialized antifreeze polymer-based additive (a modified composition) was performed to identify the impact of antifreeze additives onto the process of formation of its pore space. Upon completion of the research project described in the article, the authors have concluded that antifreeze additives facilitate hydration of cement at low and negative temperatures and cause regular formation of the pore structure of the cement stone