Electromigration effect of nano-Fe3O4 in concrete under chloride erosion environment

Abstract

In order to improve the effectiveness of electro-migration repair technology, researchers have introduced new materials to address the adverse effects of electrochemical repair on concrete, such as interface softening in reinforced concrete. In this study, a dispersed solution of nano-Fe3O4 was selected as the anode electrolyte. Concrete specimens were subjected to electric treatment for repair, and the entry of nano particles into the concrete under the action of an external electric field was investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the repaired concrete material were analyzed using techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization curve, chemical titration, scanning electron microscopy, energy spectrum analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and pull-out test. The results showed that after 15 days of electrochemical nano-repair, the passivation film on the steel reinforcement was repaired, resulting in a 57 % reduction in corrosion rate and prevention of further chloride ingress, thus improving the corrosion resistance of the reinforcement. Furthermore, the electrochemical nano-repair did not affect the outward migration of chloride ions from the concrete, with a chloride removal efficiency as high as 72.6 %. When the treatment duration was 15 days and the current density was 3 A/m2, the bond strength exhibited the greatest improvement, with an increase of 99.15 %. Compared to electrochemical chloride removal, the electrochemical nano-repair reduced the porosity in the middle and inner layers by 17.8 % and 14.8 %, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that the electromigrated nano-Fe3O4 particles were uniformly dispersed within the concrete, replacing harmful byproducts and filling the pores.