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Title: Effect of superficial oxides on corrosion of steel reinforcement embedded in concrete

Journal Article · · Corrosion (Houston); (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.5006/1.3293478· OSTI ID:6672730
 [1];  [2];
  1. Univ. Autonoma de Campeche (Mexico). Programa de Corrosion del Golfo de Mexico
  2. Inst. Mexicano del Petroleo, Mexico City (Mexico)

The effect of superficial coverage with different iron oxides on the general corrosion resistance of steel embedded in concrete was investigated. Electrochemical corrosion rate and potential measurements were made of rebars that had a bare surface (polished), an atmospherically rusted (hematite [Fe[sub 2]O[sub 3]]-rich) oxide-covered surface, and a furnace-produced (magnetite [Fe[sub 3]O[sub 4]]-rich) scale surface. Electrochemical characterization was made during and after the curing period. After the curing period, specimens were immersed partially and tested for 60 days in solutions with no aggressive ions or of two different chloride (Cl) concentrations to promote active corrosion.Results from the Cl-free atmosphere of 100% relative humidity indicated similar passivation behavior for all surface conditions during the entire curing period. This suggested the anodic reaction acted as a controlling factor of the corrosion rate. However, when the specimens were immersed partially in double-distilled water and in solutions of two different Cl concentrations passivity deteriorated differently, depending upon the oxide present. The rusted condition presented the highest corrosion rate. This rate depended strongly upon Cl concentration and went beyond the limiting value imposed by the assumed cathodic reaction of oxygen (O[sub 2]) reduction. This observation was explained in terms of a mechanism involving the self-reduction of Fe[sub 2]O[sub 3] to Fe[sub 3]O[sub 4].

OSTI ID:
6672730
Journal Information:
Corrosion (Houston); (United States), Vol. 50:11; ISSN 0010-9312
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English