Chapter 16: Smart Corrosion Inhibition Techniques for Civil and Marine Infrastructures Check Access

Details on the decisive role of smart-release corrosion inhibition materials in preventing local corrosion of rebars in ferro-concretes are presented in this chapter. The smart triggered response of encapsulated chemicals includes complete collapse or shutter-like actions upon direct contact with certain stimuli or when affected by external fields/irradiation. The corrosion inhibition in porous structures, such as reinforced concrete in infrastructures and maritime/civil structures, is challenging due to the constant infiltration of corrosive agents. While the alkalinity of ferro-concretes promotes the formation of a passive layer around the reinforcement rebars, permeation of chlorides and acidic/oxidizing agents, surface carbonation of the concrete, and residual impurities from the processing stage can de-stabilize the passive layer, cause pitting corrosion, and lead to general corrosion. Near-rebar pore-blocking and surface adsorption can effectively mitigate corrosion by preventing electrochemical reactions and repulsion of corrosive anions. Therefore, inhibition requires the application of a well-designed smart chemical material on the required surfaces. Smart corrosion inhibition techniques include smart surface adsorptions, environment-sensitive corrosion retardation, pH-sensitive release, ion-sensitive adsorption, and their combinations. These techniques can be implemented via micro-containment, nano-encapsulation, physisorption-activated adsorption, and the application of core–shell corrosion inhibitors (CSCI).