Effect of Inhibitors and Admixed Chloride on Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Mild Steel Reinforcement in Concrete in Seawater

Electrochemical potential monitoring experiments have been performed on the mild steel rebars embedded in concrete admixed with different inhibitors and sodium chloride salt and exposed to seawater environment. The electrode potential of the reinforcing steel was monitored during the experiments, and this paper reports the observed electrochemical response. The effects of admixed inhibitors on the compressive strengths of the used reinforced concrete are also reported. The inhibitors were added to the concrete to protect the steel from corrosion. Varied measures of protection were provided by the different inhibitors. Although the inhibitor must not be detrimental to concrete properties, loss of compressive strengths was recorded for the concrete admixed with formaldehyde. Sodium nitrite did not give any effect, and potassium dichromate gave an increase in compressive strength of the concrete exposed to seawater. The overall protective effect of the inhibitors was minimal.