Passivity of embedded reinforcement in carbonated low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete

This paper investigates the carbonation of two low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concretes to assess the effect of alkali concentration in the activator, and the carbon dioxide concentration on the pH drop and passivity of the reinforcement. Chemical adsorption of carbon dioxide at different concentrations into an aqueous NaOH solution, as representative of the pore solution, is studied to predict the distribution of carbonate species and pH drop. pH profiles were obtained during the exposure period. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted to identify the carbonate phases. Half-cell potential and polarization resistance of reinforced concrete samples were monitored to assess the passivity of embedded reinforcement. The carbonated binders remained rather highly alkaline during the accelerated carbonation test which was in agreement with the predicted values. No sign of depassivation of reinforcement was observed, even for the lower strength grade concrete, during the long exposure time of 500 days to 1% carbon dioxide.