Two types of emerging technologies to mitigate corrosion in reinforced concrete structures were
demonstrated at military installations in highly corrosive environments. The first technology consisted
of surface-applied corrosion inhibitors, while the second was a surface-applied sacrificial cathodic
protection coating. The corrosion inhibitor system consisted of (1) an ionic-anodic type of inorganic
penetrating corrosion inhibitor, (2) an organic vapor phase penetrating corrosion inhibitor, and (3) a
reactive silicone surface protection agent. The combined application of these three corrosion-inhibiting
formulations provided a durable and multifunctional corrosion-inhibiting environment along with a
reduction in water penetration rate. The sacrificial cathodic coating system consisted of an inorganic
silicate vehicle containing zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and indium metal powders. The coating was
applied to a reinforced concrete surface along with titanium mesh strips that were connected to the rebar
to conduct cathodic current. Before and after measurements indicated that corrosion rates of the rebar
were reduced by a factor of 3.5 for the penetrating corrosion inhibitor and 2.7 for the sacrificial cathodic
protection coating. Water permeation rates were also significantly reduced. The results indicated that
properly selected and applied penetrating corrosion inhibitors or sacrificial cathodic coating systems can
be successfully used to extend the life of reinforced concrete structures by reducing corrosion rates.
Keywords: rebar corrosion, reinforcement bar corrosion, corrosion inhibitors, sacrificial cathodic
protection, penetrating corrosion inhibitor, galvanic liquid coating