Effect of carbonation on the corrosion behavior of steel rebar embedded in magnesium phosphate cement

Abstract

Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) as a protective binder for steel rebars has been well-established. However, corrosion performance of steel rebars in MKPC subjected to carbonation is still unknown. This investigation aimed at revealing the impact and mechanism of carbonation on corrosion performance of steel rebars in MKPC using electrochemical techniques and surface analyses. The findings indicate that, unlike Portland cement (PC) system, carbonation positively influences corrosion performance of steel rebars when embedded in MKPC, as demonstrated by comparable (M/P = 7) or even higher (M/P = 12) corrosion resistance values. Under carbonation, the ingressive CO2 reacts with Mg-bearing phases in MKPC to form nesquehonite with a higher pH, while the MgO still keep supersaturated. The resultant increase in pH facilitates formation of ferrous oxide and iron phosphate/borate within oxide film developed on steel surface, which enhances protective capability of oxide film and consequently improves the corrosion resistance of the steel rebars.