An experimental investigation on the impermeability and durability of concrete with a novel and multifunctional hydrophobic admixture addition

Abstract

AbstractIn order to improve the durability of concrete, hydrophobic technology is used to isolate the contact between concrete and external water. The addition of hydrophobic admixture is a popular method, but most of the hydrophobic agents mixed with cement sacrifice the partial strength of concrete to improve the hydrophobicity. In this paper, a novel and multifunctional hydrophobic admixture named YREC was prepared, which has a positive effect on strength, impermeability, and durability under freeze–thaw attack. The chloride resistance permeability of concrete mixed with YREC increases by 5.3 times. Water contact angles up to 108 ± 2° were achieved on the concrete. The action mechanism of YREC was investigated using multiscale pore size distribution by means of nitrogen adsorption and mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction testing, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results indicate that YREC particles can accelerate cement hydration based on TG‐DTG analysis. YREC can be more effectively applied in practical engineering due to the simpler preparation process and cheaper raw material.