CORROSION INVESTIGATION OF VITREOUS ENAMEL COATINGS TO IMPROVE BONDING AND REDUCE CORROSION IN CONCRETE REINFORCING STEEL

摘要

A series of vitreous enamel coatings that contain hydraulically reactive calcium silicates have been developed to improve the performance and service life of steel used as reinforcement in concrete structures. The new series of enamel coatings combine a layer of alkaline-resistant basecoat glass enamel with an outer coating of glass enamel that incorporates dicalcium silicate and tricalcium silicate. The basecoat protects the steel while the calcium silicates in the outer layer hydrate when placed in fresh concrete and bond tightly to the surrounding concrete paste. The bond strength between the concrete and steel is increased two to three times that developed with uncoated steel. The enamel over the steel produces durable corrosion protection. The new coating can be of value in increasing the performance and the service life of defense-critical infrastructure.