Electrochemistry and its relevance to reinforced concrete durability, repair and protection

This paper and the lecture at the annual ACA Conference celebrate Percival Faraday Thompson, (1885-1951), a metallurgist and chemical analyst, generally considered a corrosion research pioneer in Australia. P F Thompson knew of electrochemistry, in fact he practiced at a time when there was still controversy as to whether corrosion of metals was electrochemical in nature. Electrochemistry forms a key part of many aspects of our lives as it does with the durability of steel reinforced concrete structures and buildings as well as in their repair and protection. Electrochemistry is relevant for the passive film that develops on steel reinforcement when it is placed in concrete. There are several degradative processes which affect some reinforced concrete structures the most common of which is corrosion of reinforcing steel. Electrochemistry is again relevant here. Some concrete structures and buildings require repair and protection during their service lives and electrochemistry is relevant when it comes to aspects of some concrete repair and protection technologies including patch repair, coatings and penetrants, corrosion inhibitors and cathodic protection.