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Reinforcement steel extensively applied in civil construction is susceptible to corrosion due to the carbonation process in reinforced concrete and chloride ions diffusion. Epoxy-silica-based coatings are a promising option to guarantee the long-term stability of reinforced concrete structures. In this study, the influence of the proportion between the poly (bisphenol-A-co-epichlorhydrin) resin (DGEBA) and the curing agent diethylenetriamine (DETA) on the structural, morphological, and barrier properties of epoxy–silica nanocomposites were evaluated. To simulate different stages of concrete aging, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) assays were performed for coated samples in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution (pH 7) and in simulated concrete pore solutions (SCPS), which represent the hydration environment in fresh concrete (SCPS2, pH 14) and after carbonation (SCPS1, pH 8). The results showed that coatings with an intermediate DETA to DGEBA ratio of 0.4, presented the best long-term corrosion protection with a low-frequency impedance modulus of up to 3.8 GΩ cm2 in NaCl and SCPS1 solutions. Small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy analysis revealed that the best performance observed for the intermediate DETA proportion is associated with the presence of larger silica nanodomains, which act as a filler in the cross-linked epoxy matrix, thus favoring the formation of an efficient diffusion barrier.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T13:41:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-02-25 In the absence of preventive maintenance, corrosion of structural steel by the deterioration of the passive layer due to exposure to aggressive environments is the main failure factor of reinforced concrete. To overcome economic, safety, and environmental implications, present research efforts focus on eco-friendly organic-inorganic hybrid coatings to achieve effective protection of reinforcing steel. Nanostructured PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate))-silica coatings developed by combining reactions of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate and 3-[(methacryloxy)propyl]trimethoxysilane with the sol-gel hydrolytic condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate using isopropanol as a solvent represent a promising approach to accomplish this goal. The nanoscale dispersion of silica nodes covalently conjugated with PMMA chains led to transparent, homogeneous, and pore-free coatings deposited with a thickness of 15 μm on 2D and 3D reinforcing steel. Mechanical, thermal, and surface analyses showed a strong adhesion of the coating to the substrate surface (15.9 MPa), a thermal stability of up to 256 °C, and a contact angle of about 75°. Electrochemical assays in standard 3.5 wt % NaCl solution, simulated carbonated, and alkaline concrete pore solutions confirmed effective corrosion protection, with an impedance modulus of up to 100 Gω cm2(at 4 mHz) and a lifetime of more than 670 days. Hence, PMMA-silica hybrid coatings are an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to protect reinforcing steel against corrosion, helping to prevent structural failures and fatal accidents. São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Chemistry