Effect of Permeable Crystalline Material on Steel Reinforcement Corrosion of Concrete

Permeable crystalline materialcan permeate into pores and cracks of concrete and catalyze the reaction between Ca(OH) 2and unhydrated cement to generate a great quantity needle non-soluble crystals, which can stop up the pores and cracks of concrete, and increase the impermeability of concrete. This paper reported the results of a study conducted to evaluate steel reinforcement corrosion of concrete specimens uncoated and coated with permeable crystalline material as well as mixed with the permeable crystalline material. The properties evaluated for corrosion test were water impermeability, water absorption, compressive strength and potential. The results of water impermeability, water absorption, compressive strength clearly showed that the permeable crystalline material could prohibit water, any soluble salts and moisture from penetrating the concrete to cause corrosion, leaking, and other problems, and it did increase the compressive strength, which was favorable for protection of corrosion of reinforcing steel. Moreover, it was concluded from the potential-time curve that the steel reinforcement of uncoated specimen was in the state of activation whereas that of other specimens coated and mixed with the permeable crystalline material was in the state of inactivation. Above all, it was indicated that the permeable crystalline materialis very effective to protect the steel reinforcement of concrete from corrosion.