journal article·2026-02-27Open access

Bidirectional Electromigration Behavior in Conductive Mortar with Restorative Properties Based on Rust Inhibitors

Penggang Wang, Hongchao Liu, Tao Liu, Zizhe Wang, Bukhari Mohd Nadeem, Xin Ji, Li Tian

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures in marine environments face rapid deterioration due to chloride-induced corrosion. This paper explores a bi-directional electromigration (BIEM) repair method using a cement composite conductive mortar containing an imidazoline rust inhibitor (IMZ), which achieves rapid extraction of chloride ions (Cl−) and sustained enrichment of IMZ in the vicinity of the steel. The findings reveal that the applied current density must be strategically selected based on the repair objective. A high current density of 5 A/m2 was highly effective for the rapid electromigration and extraction of chloride ions (Cl−), capitalizing on the strong electrochemical driving force. In contrast, for the sustained migration and enrichment of the larger IMZ molecules at the steel surface, a prolonged application of a lower current density (3 A/m2 for 28 days) proved far more effective, achieving a critical concentration of 0.18 wt%. This is mainly due to a positive shift of the corrosion potential by +600 mV and a 16-fold increase in polarization resistance after 28 days of continuous energization at 3 A/m2. The IMZ/ Cl− concentration ratio (R/C) evaluation index was established to assess the repair effect of corroded concrete and the degree of corrosion relief of steel reinforcement, when R/C > 1 indicates that the passivation. This approach provides a practical and effective framework for restoring durability in chloride-damaged marine concrete structures.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Smart Materials for Construction · Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Concrete Corrosion and Durability

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Affiliations

School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China.

International Cooperative Joint Laboratory for Low-Carbon Marine-concrete Technology, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266033, China.

School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao City University, Qingdao, 266106, China.

References (62)

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