Influence of Nano-Silica and Silica Fume in the Steel Corrosion Embedded in Concrete

Corrosion of steel is one of the most important potential dangers and threats in concrete structures. Corrosion of steel embedded in reinforced concrete plays a key role in reducing the strength and durability of reinforced concrete. Several studies have proposed that alternative approaches to enhancing the performance of reinforced concrete and its resistance to corrosion. In this study, the results of steel corrosion embedded in reinforced concrete with silica fume and Nano-silica particles are presented. For testing, samples with a mixture of these particles ranging from 0 to 133 grams were generated and their performance was compared using Corrosion Potential (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Polarization (LPR), and TOEFL polarization tests. The results demonstrate that silica fume is effective in reducing permeability of the concrete against malicious (adverse) ions, but nano-silica had far satisfying performance in reducing the corrosion rate of steel embedded in concrete.