CORTEC Corporation, a world leader in innovative corrosion protection solutions, has introduced an environmentally safe product that utilises the latest technology for the preservation of concrete structures.

The MCI-2019 sealer, as it is called, is a non-toxic, 40 per cent silane, solvent-based concrete sealer that uses revolutionary time-proven migrating corrosion inhibitor (MCI) technology, which has grown to become the industry standard for significantly extending the service life of concrete structures, says a spokesman for the US-headquartered company.

The MCI action allows this product to migrate through even the densest concrete, thus providing superior protection against the harmful effects of corrosion. It seeks out embedded reinforcement to form a protective monomolecular corrosion-inhibiting layer on the steel. The migratory inhibitor reduces further corrosion and increases surface abrasion resistance.

“MCI-2019 is a small molecule product that can easily penetrate deep into concrete providing repellency by chemically reacting with the cementitious substrate,” he explains.

The MCI transport mechanisms in concrete include capillary absorption, diffusion, and physical adsorption. The mono-molecular layer formed suppresses anodic and cathodic reaction.

He explains that the treated substrates are hydrophobic and retain their original appearance. MCI-2019 seals surface pores thus preventing intrusion of chloride and carbonation and protecting from the ingress of wind-driven rain.

“Treated concrete surfaces remain fully breathable and their natural moisture-vapour transmission is not affected. An alkaline environment such as new concrete will catalyse the reaction and speed up the formation of MCI-2019’s hydrophobic surface,” adds the spokesman. “This product offers engineers, owners, contractors, departments of transportation, and government agencies a time-proven corrosion-inhibiting technology that will extend the life of all reinforced concrete structures such as commercial buildings, parking decks, garages, highways and bridge structures.”

The product blocks carbonation and chloride ion intrusion and helps protect against acid and chemical attack. It does not contain nitrites, phosphates, or chromates and has been tested according to the US’ National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and ASTM C-156, C-1218 and C-672.

MCI-2019 can easily be applied to concrete by spray, roller, or squeegee, reducing the high cost of labour and equipment. It is also available as MCI-2019 AG, a special version containing a green fugitive dye to confirm application, which fades in time.

Cortec Corporation is the global leader in innovative, environmentally responsible VpCI and MCI corrosion control technologies for the metalworking, construction, electronics, water treatment, oil and gas, packaging, and other industries. Headquartered in Minnesota, it manufactures more than 400 products that are distributed worldwide.