Steel-reinforced concrete structures such as buildings, bridges and parking decks represent major private and public investments. Over time, however, reinforcing steel can corrode and rust, leading to weakening of the structure if expensive repairs are not undertaken.
Protectosil CIT is capable of interrupting even the live corrosion mechanism and protecting the structure for a long time without introducing any destructive cathodic protection devices.
Protectosil CIT is an organo-functionally modified silane formed as a result of a condensation reaction between a silane and an amino alcohol. The material exhibits the inhibitive properties classically associated with the amino active group while the silane bonds with the concrete and iron oxide surfaces providing typically hydro-repellent properties and preventing wash out of the material from the concrete. Being a dual-functional corrosion inhibitor, Protectosil CIT re-passivates the reinforcement bar and, being a reactive silane monomer, reacts with the concrete and converts hydrophilic concrete which is susceptible to waterborne corrosive agents such as chlorides, sulphates, CO2, SO2 to hydrophobic concrete.
Various studies reveal that Protectosil CIT is the only corrosion inhibition treatment which is effective in the whole range of corrosion mechanisms and does not deteriorate with time. Moreover, it does not involve destructive implantations as in the case of sacrificial cathodic protection. The effectiveness of reduction in corrosion activities due to Protectosil CIT is measurable and can be monitored with non-destructive methods. This is one of the unique advantages offered by Protectosil CIT as it enables quick periodic health-check of the structures and peace of mind for the owner of the structure.