The effect of electrical current flow,as a simulation of cathodic prevention, on early hydration rateand microstructure of cement-based materials

摘要

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of a cathodic prevention techniquerni.e. cathodic protection, applied before corrosion initiation at lower than normally usedrncurrent densities, on mortar microstructure. The paper deals with the response of therncement-based bulk matrix only, since the latter undergoes significant chemical,rnphysicochemical and mechanical alterations within CP applications. The cathodicrnprevention technique was applied in two regimes (steady DC and pulse DC) immediatelyrnafter mortar mixing. It was found out that the DC current (as in conventional CPrnapplication) has a negative influence on the concrete microstructure, when applied as arnprevention regime, whereas pulse CP (as application of pulse CP for reinforced concrete)rnis believed to have minimum or none side effects on the bulk matrix and can therefore bernapplied successfully as a prevention technique for corrosion control in reinforcedrnconcrete structures.