Mitigating Thermal Cracking in Mass Concrete with Temperature Rise Inhibitor: A Sustainable and Efficient Strategy

Thermal cracking poses a significant threat to the structural integrity and service life of mass concrete. The starch-based Temperature Rise Inhibitor (TRI) emerges as a sustainable and efficient bio-based solution that directly addresses the root cause - the intense heat release during early-age cement hydration. Unlike conventional chemical admixtures, TRI features a special "controlled dissolution" mechanism in the high-pH environment of cement paste. This characteristic ensures a continuous release of organic molecules that selectively inhibit the nucleation of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) gel, the primary hydrates of cement hydration. Consequently, TRI significantly slow down the heat release during the first 24 hours after casting without substantially delaying the setting time or compromising long-term strength gain. Here, we highlight the exceptional efficacy of TRI in regulating exothermic process of cement hydration, discussing mechanisms in cement and blended systems and the main challenges regarding their molecular-scale interaction with C-S-H nucleation. As discussed in this perspective, TRI exemplifies the potential of sustainable materials to address fundamental engineering challenges, bridging environmental responsibility with high performance in modern concrete.