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The protective performance of a sand particle-modified enamel coating on reinforcing steel bars was evaluated in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Seven percentages of sand particles by weight were investigated: 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50% and 70%. The phase composition of the enamel coating and sand particles were determined with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the sand particle-modified enamel coating were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD tests revealed three phases of sand particles: SiO2, CaCO3 and MgCO3. SEM images demonstrated that the enamel coating wetted well with the sand particles. However, a weak enamel coating zone was formed around the sand particles due to concentrated air bubbles, leading to micro-cracks as hydrogen gas pressure builds up and exceeds the tensile strength of the weak zone. As a result, the addition of sand particles into the enamel coating reduced both the coating and corrosion resistances.
- Bars (metal),
- Calcium carbonate,
- Coatings,
- Corrosion resistance,
- Electrochemical corrosion,
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,
- Enamels,
- Scanning electron microscopy,
- Tensile strength,
- X ray diffraction,
- 3.5 wt% NaCl solution,
- Cross-sectional morphology,
- EIS,
- Enamel coatings,
- Hydrogen gas pressure,
- Protective performance,
- Sand particles,
- XRD,
- Sand
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/richard-brow/30/