Concrete deterioration due to freeze-thaw cycles remains a critical challenge in cold climates, where temperatures regularly oscillate around the freezing point. Field measurements show that a single winter season can subject concrete to 50-100 freeze-thaw cycles, with internal pressures exceeding 29 MPa during ice formation, leading to progressive microstructural damage and reduced service life.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing concrete mixtures that maintain structural integrity while managing internal water movement and ice crystal formation through hundreds of freeze-thaw cycles.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including nano-modified composites with phase change materials, specialized antifreeze agents incorporating nanocellulose crystals, self-healing gels with biological antifreeze proteins, and innovative supplementary cementitious materials. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation strategies that enhance freeze-thaw durability while maintaining constructability and cost-effectiveness.

1. Concrete Composite with Specialized Additive for Enhanced Freeze-Thaw Resistance

ZHEJIANG YOHO NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2025

Freeze-thaw resistant concrete comprising a composite of cement, aggregate, sand, fly ash, additive A, water-reducing agent, dispersant, defoamer, modified fiber, and water. The composite also contains a specific additive A that enhances the concrete's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. The additive A is prepared by a specialized process that creates a unique combination of properties that provide superior freeze-thaw resistance compared to conventional additives.

2. Concrete Preparation Method with Additives, Microspheres, Antifreeze, and Silane Coupling Agents

NORTHWEST POWER CONSTRUCTION ENG CO LTD OF CHINA ENERGY CONSTRUCTION GROUP, 2024

Frost-resistant concrete preparation method that enhances freeze-thaw durability through a novel combination of additives and microspheres. The method involves preparing a primary mixture of cement, aggregate, and admixtures, followed by the incorporation of an antifreeze agent and a silane coupling agent. The mixture is then mixed with microspheres that expand upon heating, creating a frost-resistant concrete with enhanced freeze-thaw resistance.

3. Concrete Composition with Dolomite-Based Slag and Nano-SiO2 Integrating Solid Phase Change Material

UNIV SOUTHEAST, 2024

Full-hole slag phase change frost-resistant concrete comprising a matrix of Portland cement, dolomite-based cave slag powder, dolomite-based cave slag sand, nano-SiO2, solid phase change material, and water. The concrete combines the mechanical properties of the matrix with the frost-resistance properties of the phase change material, achieving enhanced antifreeze performance while maintaining structural integrity.

4. Ultra-High Performance Concrete with Composite Antifreeze Agent Incorporating Nanocellulose Crystals

UNIV CHONGQING JIAOTONG, 2024

Ultra-high performance concrete for extreme temperature environments featuring enhanced durability and early strength. The concrete combines traditional cement with advanced additives, including a composite antifreeze agent that prevents water expansion during freezing, while maintaining optimal hydration rates. This combination enables rapid development of strength in both warm and cold temperature environments, with improved resistance to frost heave and microcracking. The antifreeze agent, comprising nanocellulose crystals and other synergistic components, forms a protective barrier against water expansion during freezing, while promoting early hydration and densification.

5. Concrete Composition with Supplementary Cementitious Materials and Additives for Enhanced Freeze-Thaw Durability

DR.KUSUMA SUNDARA KUMAR PROFESSOR& HOD RAMACHANDRA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, 2024

Enhancing freeze-thaw durability of concrete through the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and environmentally friendly additives. The formulation combines SCMs like fly ash, silica fume, and slag with innovative additives like nano-silica, fibers, and hydrophobic agents to create a concrete matrix that resists freeze-thaw cycles. The SCMs improve microstructure and reduce porosity, while the additives enhance hydration, reduce water content, and increase density. The hydrophobic agents further prevent water absorption, significantly reducing freeze-thaw damage. This advanced formulation offers improved durability in cold climates and reduces carbon footprint compared to conventional methods.

IN202441052923A-patent-drawing

6. Phase Change Concrete Incorporating Nano-Polymer Emulsion and Inorganic Nano-Materials

MIANZHU ZHUCHENG CONCRETE CO LTD, 2024

Environmentally friendly phase change concrete that replaces traditional phase change materials with sustainable inorganic components. The concrete combines nano-polymer emulsion with inorganic nano-inorganic materials, such as nano-silica and nano-calcium carbonate, to create a phase change material that can absorb and release heat through freeze-thaw cycles. The material is formulated with a polymer emulsion, desulfurized gypsum, inorganic fibers, and nano-inorganic materials, which are combined with water, cement, and quartz sand to create a prefabricated phase change concrete.

CN117865571A-patent-drawing

7. Recycled Concrete with Natural Aggregates and Water-Absorbing Agent for Enhanced Freeze-Thaw Resistance

CHONGDE BUILDING MATERIALS GROUP CO LTD, 2024

Freeze-thaw resistant recycled concrete that combines natural aggregates with a unique water-absorbing agent to enhance its durability. The recycled concrete incorporates natural aggregates, cement, sand, and a specialized water-absorbing agent that prevents water absorption and promotes hydration in cracks. This approach significantly improves the concrete's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles compared to conventional recycled concrete.

8. Concrete Matrix with Fish Antifreeze Protein-Infused Self-Healing Gel

BEIJING ZEHUA ROAD AND BRIDGE ENGINEERING CO LTD, 北京泽华路桥工程有限公司, 2023

High-strength anti-freeze concrete with improved frost resistance and self-healing properties. The concrete contains a specialized self-healing gel that incorporates a fish antifreeze protein solution, which is dissolved in ethyl acetate. The gel is incorporated into the concrete matrix during preparation, where it forms a network of dissolved protein and lipid molecules that provide enhanced frost resistance. The self-healing gel also exhibits improved durability against repeated freezing and thawing cycles. The concrete achieves enhanced frost resistance and compressive strength compared to conventional anti-freeze treatments, while maintaining superior self-healing capabilities.

9. Concrete Mixture Incorporating Acid Water Reducing Agent and Rubber Particles for Freeze-Thaw Resistance

SHENZHEN BAOJINHUA CONCRETE CO LTD, 2023

A method for enhancing freeze-thaw resistance in concrete through the addition of an acid water reducing agent. The method involves combining an acid water reducing agent with a controlled proportion of rubber particles in the concrete mixture. The acid water reducing agent, typically polyvinyl acid (PVA), helps to neutralize acidic water that can cause damage to the concrete during freeze-thaw cycles. The proportion of rubber particles can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of freeze-thaw resistance while maintaining the structural integrity of the concrete.

10. Concrete Preparation Method with Specialized Additives for Enhanced Thermal Stability and Durability

HENAN XINXING NEW MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, 2023

A method for improving the frost resistance of concrete by incorporating specialized additives that enhance its thermal stability and durability. The method involves preparing concrete by combining cement, fly ash, sand, fine stone, water, water-reducing agent, air-entraining agent, and a proprietary additive. The additive combines with the cement to form a composite material that enhances the concrete's thermal resistance and durability characteristics, particularly in freeze-thaw environments.

11. Concrete Composition with Reinforced Recycled Aggregate and Air-Entraining Agents for Enhanced Freeze-Thaw Resistance

JINAN SHENGHUA CONCRETE CO LTD, 2023

Antifreeze concrete with enhanced freeze-thaw resistance through the use of reinforced recycled aggregate. The concrete combines a specially prepared recycled aggregate with natural stone and cement, incorporating air-entraining agents to enhance foam formation. The aggregate is processed to achieve specific particle size ratios, with the 15-20mm and 9.5-15mm sizes forming a 1:2 ratio. This combination provides improved freeze-thaw durability compared to conventional recycled aggregate concrete.

CN116177937A-patent-drawing

12. Concrete Composition with Mineral Admixture, PV-PEG, and Nano Carbon Black for Frost Resistance

CHINA CONSTRUCTION EIGHTH ENGINEERING DIVISION TESTING TECH CO LTD, 2022

Frost-resistant plateau concrete with enhanced durability in high-altitude regions. The concrete combines a base material with mineral admixture, polyvinyl alcohol-polypeptide-polyethylene glycol (PV-PEG), and nano carbon black to create a frost-resistant concrete. The PV-PEG and nano carbon black work synergistically to prevent water absorption and ice formation, while the PV-PEG enhances the concrete's thermal resistance. The concrete achieves freeze resistance at elevated temperatures through its unique combination of properties.

13. Permeable Concrete Incorporating Ultrafine Silica and Nano-Silicon Carbide for Enhanced Freeze-Thaw Resistance

GUANGZHOU CHANGYUN READY MIXED CONCRETE CO LTD, Guangzhou Changyun Ready-Mix Concrete Co., Ltd., 2022

Permeable concrete for green infrastructure that enhances durability and performance in cold climates. The innovative concrete combines ultrafine silica with nano-silicon carbide to create a superior freeze-thaw resistance profile compared to traditional permeable concrete. This hybrid material incorporates ultrafine silica to fill the pores, while nano-silicon carbide reinforces the structure against thermal stress. The combination provides enhanced freeze-thaw resistance, improved durability, and enhanced performance in cold climates.

14. Composite Wave Retaining Wall Material with Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogel and Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibers

CHINA HARBOUR ENG CO LTD, 2022

Wave retaining wall material comprising cement, basalt, sand, nanocomposite temperature-sensitive hydrogel, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, water, slag powder, and swelling agent. The material incorporates a temperature-sensitive hydrogel that modifies the concrete's thermal expansion properties and mechanical properties, enhancing its resistance to freeze-thaw damage and abrasion. The hydrogel is prepared through a modified graphene oxide aqueous solution process that incorporates cyclodextrin and N-isopropylacrylamide. This innovative material provides superior frost resistance and wear resistance while maintaining optimal workability and durability for wave retaining wall applications.

WO2022022050A1-patent-drawing

15. Concrete Preparation Method Incorporating Graphene and Air-Entraining Agents with Powder Blend of Portland Cement, Fly Ash, Granite Powder, and Silica Fume

XIAOYUN LIN, 2022

A method for preparing concrete with enhanced freeze-thaw resistance through the incorporation of graphene and air-entraining agents. The preparation involves mixing a powder blend containing Portland cement, fly ash, granite powder, and silica fume with an air-entraining agent, followed by the addition of water. The mixture is then stirred to create a uniform paste, with additional graphene sheets added to enhance the concrete's thermal shock resistance. The resulting composite concrete exhibits superior freeze-thaw durability compared to conventional concrete, with a significant increase in resistance to thermal cracking and damage.

CN113943138A-patent-drawing

16. Concrete Composition with Additive Forming Protective Layer to Inhibit Freezing-Induced Expansion

XIAN XINYIDA BUILDING PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2021

Antifreeze concrete for cold climates that prevents concrete expansion and damage due to freezing temperatures. The concrete formulation incorporates a specialized additive that prevents water absorption and expansion in cold conditions, while maintaining its compressive strength and bonding properties. The additive reacts with moisture to form a protective layer that prevents concrete from expanding and cracking due to freezing. This results in improved durability and performance in cold environments.

17. Concrete Composition with Polymethylmethacrylate-(Adamantyl)Acrylate and Bismaleimide Resin

HWAJIN CONSTRUCTION CO LTD, Hwajin Construction, Jang Byeong-ha, 2021

Concrete composition having excellent initial stiffness and excellent basic strength characteristics, as well as improved resistance to salt damage and freeze-thaw resistance. The composition includes 100 parts by weight of polymethylmethacrylate-(adamantyl)acrylate copolymer, 70 to 90 parts by weight of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, 10 to 30 parts by weight of bismaleimide resin, butanedioldi it provides a super-strength cement concrete composition having improved salt damage and freeze-thaw resistance.

18. Silicone-Coated Recycled Aggregates with Hydrophobic Film and Enhanced Cement-Gel Interface

CHONGDE BUILDING MATERIALS GROUP CO LTD, 2021

Silicone-coated recycled aggregates for enhanced freeze-thaw resistance in concrete, particularly in recycled concrete applications. The coating forms a hydrophobic silicone film on the aggregate surface, reducing water absorption while improving the cement-gel interface. This treatment enables compacted aggregate structures with enhanced compressive strength and improved freeze-thaw durability compared to conventional recycled aggregates.

CN113429178A-patent-drawing

19. Concrete Composition Incorporating Waste Tire Rubber Particles and Iron Powder

BEIJING URBAN CONSTRUCTION YATAI GOLD CONCRETE CONCRETE CO LTD, 2021

Concrete with enhanced freeze resistance through the incorporation of waste tire rubber particles and iron powder. The composite material combines the natural binding properties of rubber with the mechanical strength of iron particles, forming a durable and environmentally friendly concrete solution. The rubber particles, specifically rubberized tire waste, replace conventional cement and aggregate, while the iron powder enhances the material's mechanical properties. This composite concrete offers improved resistance to freeze-thaw damage, reduced water absorption, and enhanced durability compared to conventional concrete.

CN112830747A-patent-drawing

20. Concrete Mixture Incorporating Sodium Nitrite for Enhanced Thermal Stability and Early Strength

SHANGHAI PUYING CONCRETE CO LTD, 2021

Antifreeze concrete mixture for protecting concrete structures from freeze-thaw damage. The mixture combines a conventional concrete mixture with sodium nitrite as an early strength agent, which significantly enhances the concrete's resistance to thermal stress. The mixture is prepared by blending the conventional concrete with sodium nitrite solution, followed by a controlled mixing process that incorporates the sodium nitrite solution into the concrete mixture. This results in a concrete with superior thermal stability and early strength properties, enabling it to withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles without compromising its structural integrity.

CN112408911A-patent-drawing

21. Rotating Chamber Device with Temperature-Controlled Freeze-Thaw Systems for Concrete Testing

22. Concrete Composition with Treated Glass Fibers for Controlled Micro-Bubble Distribution and Enhanced Durability

23. Cement Concrete Composition with Ultra-Fast-Hardening Binder and Super-Fast Hardening Agent

24. Basalt Fiber Reactive Powder Concrete with Steel Fibers and Water-Reducing Agent for Enhanced Frost Resistance

25. Concrete Composite with Alkaline-Modified Rubber Particles for Enhanced Frost Resistance

Get Full Report

Access our comprehensive collection of 35 documents related to this technology