Chloride-induced corrosion behavior of reinforcing steel in spent fluid cracking catalyst modified mortars

Concrete properties can be improved by various additives. Nowadays there is a strong interest concerning the use of spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (SFCC) as an admixture to improve mechanical properties of concrete. This work aims at studying the corrosion resistance of steel rebars in SFCC modified mortar specimens. Results of physicochemical characterization indicate the acceleration of cement hydration due to pozzolanic activity of SFCC. Electrochemical measurements show that the addition of the SFCC enhances corrosion resistance by delaying its corrosion onset and decreasing the corrosion rate. These benefits can be attributed to the reduction of the mortar permeability. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.