Improved corrosion resistance in simulated concrete pore solution of surface nanocrystallized rebar fabricated by wire-brushing

Continuous surface nanocrystallization (SNC) of rebar was achieved through wire-brushing process. A uniform NC layer with thickness of 25 μm and average grain size of 50 nm was formed on the rebar surface. Due to the enhanced passivation performance of the NC layer, corrosion resistance of the SNC rebar was significantly improved in Cl−-containing saturated Ca(OH)2 solution. High-energetic crystal defects of the nano-grains leads to the faster passivation and enhanced stability of the passive film of the SNC rebar.