Test protocols for migrating corrosion inhibitors (MCI®) in reinforced concrete

Corrosion induced deterioration of steel reinforcement (rebar) in concrete has increasingly become a greater world-wide concern. This insidious dilemma focuses on the potentially dubious structural integrity of many concrete structures. The steady rise of rebar corrosion and the eventual deterioration can be directly related to several influential factors, some of which include; poor quality construction materials, the increased use of de-icing salts, severe marine environments and increased atmospheric contaminants, such as carbon dioxide. Over the years various methods have been developed to protect either the rebar or the concrete. Today, the most recent emerging corrosion protection technology is that of Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors (MCIs). Recently, improved test methodologies have been developed which can better assess the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors. Several of these recent electrochemical and non-electrochemical test methods were utilized to measure the effects of migrating corrosion inhibitors. This paper includes an explanation of these test methods and presents an overview of the test results.