Analysis of corrosion resistance behavior of inhibitors in concrete using electrochemical techniques

Reinforced concrete is one of the most durable and cost effective construction materials. However, in high chloride environments, it can suffer from corrosion due to chloride induced breakdown of the normal passive layer protecting the reinforcing steel bars inside concrete. One means of protecting embedded steel reinforcement from chloride induced corrosion is the addition of corrosion inhibiting admixtures. In the present investigation, various inhibitors such as sodium nitrite, zinc oxide, mono ethanol amine, diethanolamine, and triethanol amine have been used in concrete in different percentages. Their effectiveness was then studied using various electrochemical techniques such as rapid chloride ion penetration test, open circuit potential measurement, electrochemical impedance measurement, potentiodynamic polarization measurement, and gravimetric weight loss measurement. The results thus obtained indicate that the addition of inhibitors enhances the corrosion resistance properties.