Chloride Effects on Concrete #worldresearchawards #researchaward #researcher #cementchemistry
Chloride desorption in cement is a critical process that directly influences the durability and lifespan of reinforced concrete structures. When chloride ions penetrate concrete—often from seawater, de-icing salts, or contaminated materials—they can bind to hydration products within the cement matrix. However, under changing environmental conditions such as moisture fluctuations, pH variations, or electrochemical disturbances, these bound chlorides may be released back into the pore solution. This phenomenon is known as chloride desorption. Understanding chloride desorption is essential because free chloride ions can initiate corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement. Once the protective passive layer on steel is disrupted, corrosion accelerates, leading to cracking, spalling, and structural deterioration. The balance between chloride binding and release depends on factors such as cement composition, water-to-cement ratio, temperature, and the presence of supplementary cementitious ma...