Smart nanostructured materials for corrosion inhibition
Smart nanostructured materials for corrosion inhibition in reinforced concrete will be developed by CNR and are integrated into the two previously described impregnation treatments, creating multi-functional treatments. In order to minimize the volatility of corrosion inhibitors and to achieve a long-lasting protective action, CNR will synthesize functionalized silica nanoparticles and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to be employed as inhibitor nanocarriers (developed within the European Union project Nanorestart).These nanocarriers will release the protective compounds under external stimuli, such as pH variation or by ion exchange with chloride.
Moreover, the ability of these nanosystems to sequester aggressive species will further enhance the protection of rebars. These smart corrosion inhibitor nanocarriers can be integrated into impregnation products developed in InnovaConcrete, as will be validated in InnovaConcrete, or even be directly applied using appropriate solvents as vehicles.
Left: Scheme of inhibitor release mechanism of LDHs triggered by chloride ions. Scanning Electron Micrographs of LDHs and their dispersion into an organic matrix. The proactive efficacy of the inhibitors is evident from Optical Micrographs of metal substrates after corrosion treatments.
Right: Scheme of inhibitor release mechanism of silica nanoparticles functionalized with corrosion inhibitors.