Predicted Corrosion Performance of Organofunctional Silane Coated Steel Reinforcement for Concrete Structures: An Overview

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential use of organofunctional silane coatings in the corrosion protection of concrete reinforcement in close relation to other commercially used coating technologies-i.e., epoxy coatings and bath hot-dip galvanizing coatings. The application technology of the steel surface is described in detail, and the corrosion performance and bond strength in concrete are compared. The paper also points out the possibility of improving the durability of epoxy coatings by the addition of silanes and, in the case of application to the surface of hot-dip galvanized steel, they can prevent corrosion of the coating by hydrogen evolution. The application potential of organofunctional silanes is also presented in the form of hydrophobic coatings on concrete surfaces or as corrosion inhibitors in simulated concrete pore solutions. The use of a suitable type of modified silane coating on the surface of carbon steel reinforcement can increase the corrosion performance and can also increase the bond strength in concrete. However, these facts need to be experimentally verified.