Electrochemical studies on the performance characteristics of alkaline solid embeddable sensor for concrete environments

In this study, alkaline solid embeddable MnO2 is used as a reference sensor for concrete environments. The performance characteristics are evaluated in a saturated calcium hydroxide solution, a synthetic concrete pore solution and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) extracts which correspond to the concrete environments. The electrochemical stability of the MnO2 electrode is studied in the said concrete environments. The uniformity of the MnO2 sensor is tested in concrete environments. The reversibility of MnO2 sensor in three alkaline solutions is within +/- 10 mV, which is very well within the limit as sensor for concrete. The polarization behaviour of MnO2 electrode in concrete environments is carried out potentiodynamically and impedance behaviour showed the stability of sensor. All the studies revealed that MnO2 as a suitable sensor electrode for concrete structures. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.