Biomolecules as a sustainable protection against corrosion of reinforced carbon steel in concrete

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the biomolecules which can be potentially used as an eco-friendly inhibitor of steel corrosion in concrete. Biomolecules used in this study are a new class of compounds produced from bacteria cells. The inhibition effect in simulated concrete pore solution was demonstrated using classical electrochemical measurements, microscope observations and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The decrease in corrosion current density was pronounced after adding 1 g L−1 of product in the simulated concrete pore solution. Linear Polarization tests and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy showed the relatively good inhibition efficiency properties (≈58.6%) of BMs. Moreover, XPS analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations shown that this type of biomolecules seems to be a film-forming mixed type inhibitor.