Characteristics of corrosion products of steel bars in modified magnesium oxysulfide cement containing chloride salts

The effects of chlorides on the corrosion of steel bars within a matrix comprising modified magnesium oxysulfide (MMOS) cementitious materials was investigated. The phase composition, morphology and distribution of steel corrosion products (SCPs) were studied. There was basically no corrosion of the steel bars in the MMOS cement without chlorides. A high chloride content and a high water/cement (w/c) ratio in the MMOS matrix had adverse effects on the steel bar corrosion. The primary SCPs in the MMOS mixes were iron oxyhydroxides (FeOOH) and ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), while ferrous oxide (FeO) was only observed at low w/c ratios, indicating a lower degree of oxidation. The presence of di-iron nonacarbonyl (Fe₂(CO)₉) at high w/c ratios suggested a higher degree of oxidation. At lower w/c ratios, rust products readily diffused. Conversely, at higher w/c ratios, these products accumulated close to the steel bars, resulting in a compact structure.