Antifreeze additives in solution: characteristics

Antifreeze additives in mortar today are quite actively used in construction. Their appearance allowed the construction of buildings and structures at any time of year without harm to the quality of future designs.

The need to use antifreeze additives

If the solution is poured without special additives at a lower temperature, its hardening will take place very slowly, which is caused by the suspension of hydration of the cement component. When the temperature reaches -3 ° C, the liquid contained in the concrete begins to turn into ice, and the hydration process stops. When the solution thaws, all processes are resumed, and the structure continues to gain strength. But if the formation of ice occurred almost immediately after pouring, thawing of the concrete will be accompanied by the acquisition of a monolith of loose structure, this will lead to insignificant strength, in addition, the structure will not be resistant to frost.

The antifreeze additive is just used to ensure that in the solution filled in winter, the hardening processes occur normally. Antifreeze agents are able to lower the freezing point of the liquid, so that concrete will continue to gain strength at lower temperatures.

Antifreeze additive - ammonia water

Ammonia water serves as an economically rational additive for concrete . It has more outstanding quality characteristics when compared with aqueous solutions of calcium chloride and potash. Thus, it demonstrates a less impressive percentage of expansion, which makes it not very dangerous in the issue of deformation phenomena that may occur when ice is formed.

The described antifreeze additive is used in solution in such quantity, which is dictated by the rules of external air temperature. It is often chosen ammonia water, and not other alternative additives, also because it does not cause corrosion of rod rods. The additive is not capable to lower the adhesion qualities of the reinforcement with the mortar, does not reduce the ability of the structure to frost-proof, can not lead to the appearance of highs and all kinds of spots on the basis of the structures. Ammoniac water slows down the period until the hardening of the cement, which allows for a more simple laying of the mixture, which can last for a period limited to 4-7 hours.

Features of antifreeze additives

It is worth remembering, before adding antifreeze additives to the solution, that they have the ability to move and create clumps in some places, for example in the ribs or upper layers. After that they can find the crystal structure. In order to exclude this, do not start work on filling, when the temperature many times within a day can vary greatly. This is especially true when conditions change from low to positive. This feature of weather conditions is characteristic for the autumn-spring period or winter thaws.

Some antifreeze additives in the mortar can cause destruction of the finished concrete. This is often due to the possible crystallization of salts, which can be noted in areas where the additives are in a concentrated state. Subsequently, this may cause structural defects. The most susceptible to these phenomena are additives that have among the ingredients potash, as well as calcium nitrate. Eliminate such problems by carefully calculating the compliance of the amount of additive with respect to the volume and composition of the solution, as well as external conditions.

Warnings

Some antifreeze additives in the solution (Astana - one of the cities where they can be purchased) should not be used with concrete that will be exposed to hazardous environments during operation. This applies to formulations that have double salts. Thus, sodium and calcium chlorides intensify the corrosion of steel, which is most likely in conditions with high humidity and the presence of oxygen in the air. But if you use complex compounds in tandem with dangerous additives for reinforcement, which have corrosion inhibitors of steel, then the aggressiveness of the chloride component can be reduced. Thus, if nitrite ions are added to the concrete (the ratio by weight of HH: HC is 1: 1), the chlorine ions are almost not dangerous for the safety of the quality characteristics of the reinforcement.

Advantages of antifreeze additives

When mixing antimorose additives in mortar for mortar or for building foundations and other structures, as well as buildings and structures, you can be sure that they are:

• Increase the plasticity of the solution;
• Allow to conduct construction work at low temperatures;
• Increase the adhesive qualities of concrete;
• Increase the density of concrete;
• Increase the strength of the structure after hardening;
• Provide a longer service life of the concrete structure.

The cost of antifreeze additives

Antifreeze additives in the solution can have a different cost, which will depend on the quality characteristics of the composition, its ingredients and some other factors. For example, the additive "Bitumast" of Russian production can be purchased in a convenient container, the volume of which is 13.5 kg, for which the consumer will have to pay 638 rubles.

If you intend to produce construction work in winter, then you will certainly need antifreeze additives in the solution. Kazan (namely LLP "Priority") offers such a product from the German manufacturer for 285 rubles (10 liters).

You can choose the composition from the manufacturer who will have more to do with the price. After all, in the construction market today, additives are presented from different parts of the world.