Novel application of electrochemical chloride extraction fixing polymer-modified conductive repair mortar as anode

Abstract

Electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE) technique provides an effective technique to remove the chloride ions from concrete and realize reinforcements performance recovery. In this study, a novel type of polymer-modified conductive repair mortar (PCRM) was developed as the anode of ECE system, while the impacts of electrochemical parameters, anode types and reinforcements layout on the chlorides extraction efficiency were investigated, in addition, an innovative method is also proposed to further enhance the ECE efficiency. The results highlight that PCRM can be successfully fabricated with proper initial/final setting time, which presents the similar extraction efficiency compared with PC-based repair mortar and stainless-steel mesh anode. Furthermore, reinforcement cages provide target concrete with lower extraction efficiency inside the cage, and the efficiency can be remarkably increased by pulse current. Most importantly, the chloride extraction efficiency of PCRM anode is increased from 45.1% to 59.6% (electrochemical parameters), 53.7% (reinforcements layout), 60.2% (pulse current), respectively.