Corrosion studies on XD3 reinforced concrete samples prepared by using calcium nitrate as inorganic corrosion inhibitor with different superplasticizers

Abstract This research paper presents an analysis of the corrosion properties of steel-reinforced concrete samples during immersion in 3.5 wt. % NaCl aqueous solution by measuring their response both cathodic and anodic polarization in order to determine the corrosion rates in the function of their calcium nitrate inhibitor content. This cheap inorganic inhibitor was added to the concrete mix in concentrations of 1% and 3% by weight of cement in addition to two different superplasticizers (MapeiDynamon SR 31 and Oxydtron). The compressive strengths of the so prepared samples were also checked according to the relevant European standard and were within the acceptable limits, so this inhibitor does not weaken this important property of the concrete samples. The test results on steel reinforced samples immersed in 3.5 wt. % NaCl aqueous solutions at room temperature showed promising corrosion mitigating effects just after 6 months testing period. After 6 months the lower corrosion currents (i.e. better corrosion resistance) for both types of superplasticizers were observed with those samples which contained 3% calcium nitrate inhibitor. The best result was observed with sample C4 (in this case 3% calcium nitrate was added to the mixture of cement+Oxydtron superplasticizer). The advantageous inhibition mechanism of nitrate anions is also discussed and interpreted.