Title:
Effect of Corrosion Inhibitors on Concrete Pore Solution Composition and Corrosion Resistance
Author(s):
M. O’Reilly, D. Darwin, J. Browning, L. Xing, C. E. Locke Jr., and Y. P. Virmani
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
110
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
577-586
Keywords:
chlorides; corrosion; corrosion inhibitor; cracking; durability; pore solution; steel reinforcement
DOI:
10.14359/51685909
Date:
9/1/2013
Abstract:
Three commercially available corrosion inhibitors—calcium nitrite, a solution of amines and esters, and an alkenyl substituted succinic acid salt—are evaluated in conjunction with conventional reinforcement in concrete based on corrosion rate, metal loss, the critical chloride corrosion threshold (CCCT), pore solution analyses, and concrete compressive strength. All three inhibitors increase time to corrosion initiation and decrease corrosion rate, but are less effective in cracked concrete than in uncracked concrete. Of the three inhibitors, the alkenyl-substituted succinic acid salt results in the greatest decrease in corrosion rate, but exhibits the lowest CCCT—below that measured in concrete with no inhibitor. The compressive strengths of concretes containing the amine-ester inhibitor and the alkenyl-substituted succinic acid salt were 15% and 60% lower, respectively, than concrete without an inhibitor. For the latter inhibitor, pore solution analyses indicated elevated sulfate contents at 1 and 7 days, which may explain the low CCCT and strength. Paste containing the amine-ester inhibitor had an elevated sulfate content at 7 days.