Ice Formation in Pores in Polymer Modified Concrete-II. The Influence of the Admixtures on the Water to Ice Transition in Cementitious Composites Subjected to Freezing/Thawing Cycles

This paper presents results which are part of a larger study on the influence of two admixtures (methyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose, M H EC. and polyvinyl acetate, PV A) on properties of water contained in pores and capillaries of cementitious materials subjected to jreezlng and thawing. An attempt has been made to explain some aspects offrost deterioration based on the Everett and Hvnes model of phase transition. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry technique was used to re~ord the process of water to ice transition in cementitious composites, which were initially subjected to different curing conditions includingjreezing and thawing. A study of ihe phase transition of water in polymer modified concrete revealed variations in the ice concentration depending upon the mix composition and number offreezlng and thawing cycles. It has been found that admixtures hazʹe strong effects on the phase transition particularly after prolonged e.~posure to alternate freezing and thawing