A new study conducted by researchers at Brunel University London and Mutah University in Jordan explored how to create a concrete mix that would cure with less problems in extreme weather and discovered that adding sodium acetate, which is already being used to reduce the damage to concrete caused by water, is beneficial in mitigating micro-cracks that occur when concrete is poured in cold weather, and preventing weak bonds between the cement and the aggregates that can happen to concrete installed in hot weather. In the tests, concrete cubes made with mixtures containing varying amounts of sodium acetate were cured at either minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit or 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The results showed a 64% improvement in compressive strength when the mix contained 4% sodium acetate and was cured at the high temperature and "greatly reduced crack propagation when concrete is under freezing conditions."

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