SURTREAT and NASA: A Collaborative Approach to Combat Concrete Corrosion
By Frank Jad
Overview
SURTREAT specializes in developing chemical solutions to prevent and mitigate corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. In the mid-1990s, NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) faced significant challenges with corrosion in its concrete launch structures due to the harsh coastal environment. To address this, NASA developed an electromigration technique that sends corrosion-inhibiting ions into rebar to prevent rust and separation from the surrounding concrete. Recognizing the potential synergy, NASA partnered with SURTREAT to combine this technique with SURTREAT chemical treatments, leading to a more effective corrosion control method.
The Problem: Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete
Concrete structures, especially those in coastal areas like KSC, are susceptible to corrosion due to exposure to saltwater, humidity, and other environmental factors. Over time, the pH of concrete decreases, making the embedded steel reinforcement (rebar) more prone to corrosion. This corrosion leads to structural degradation, known as spalling, which compromises the integrity and longevity of the structures.
The Solution: Combining Electromigration with Chemical Treatments
NASA's electromigration technique involves applying an electrical current to drive corrosion-inhibiting ions into the rebar, effectively halting the corrosion process. SURTREAT contributed its TPS-II anti-corrosive solution, which, when applied to the concrete surface, seeps through to the rebar, providing additional protection. The combination of these methods resulted in a more robust and long-lasting solution to concrete corrosion.
Advancements: Liquid Galvanic Coating
Building on the success of their initial collaboration, NASA developed a liquid galvanic coating—a surface-applied treatment containing metallic particles like zinc or magnesium. This coating establishes an electrical current that offers cathodic protection to the rebar, further preventing corrosion. SURTREAT licensed this technology and applied it in various projects, including the U.S. Army Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The combined treatments have demonstrated significant reductions in corrosion rates, extending the service life of concrete structures by over a decade. Additionally, these solutions are environmentally friendly, water-soluble, and have shown no adverse effects on surrounding ecosystems. The long-term durability of the treatments also translates to substantial cost savings in maintenance and repairs.
Applications Beyond NASA
The technologies developed through the NASA-SURTREAT partnership have found applications in various sectors, including:
Highway and bridge infrastructures
Piers and docks
Parking garages
Cooling towers
Pipelines