Materials, Methods & Technologies, Volume 7, 2013

Abstract: The application of polymeric nano-particles was investigated as an approach to control corrosion and/or self-heal corrosion damage on steel in simulated alkaline medium and reinforced mortar. The “self-healing agent”, present in the closed inner volume of PEO-b-PS vesicles was Ca-based and chosen as such due to the natural predominance of Ca in the investigated system. The vesicles’ concentration was 0.0024 wt.% in the model medium and 0.025 wt.% per cement weight for the case of mortar. Therefore, a “self-repair” or “self-healing” of the steel product layer solely due to the Cacomponent is not realistic in view of these minimal concentrations. The most plausible mechanism is the nature of incorporation of the Ca-containing vesicles in the product layer, enhanced chloride binding effects and adsorption on active sites on the steel surface. A more uniform and stable surface layer, initial pitting formation and propagation, but consecutive “healing”, are evidenced by surface analysis and electrochemical response i.e. largely reduced anodic and corrosion currents and no further pit propagation are observed when Ca-containing vesicles are present in the model medium. Corrosion products-free steel/cement paste interface is relevant for the reinforced mortar, containing Ca-rich vesicles in contrast to vesicles-free and empty vesicles-containing matrix.