2007

NASA developed this technology and conducted proof-of-concept demonstrations. The technology is a liquid galvanic coating, applied to the outer surface of reinforced concrete, to protect the embedded rebar from corrosion. The coating contains one of several types of metallic particles—magnesium, zinc, or indium. An electrical current that is established between metallic particles in the applied coating and the surface of the steel rebar produces cathodic protection of the rebar. The current forces a flow of electrons from the coating (anode) to the rebar along a separate metallic connection; this surplus of electrons at the rebar (cathode) prevents the loss of metal ions that would normally occur as part of the natural corrosion process. The technology is innovative because it can be applied (1) to the outside surface of reinforced concrete (most rebar corrosion prevention must be applied directly to the rebar) and (2) with a conventional brush or sprayer.

Benefits to NASA Missions

Adoption of the technology by chemical companies will generate significant royalties that will be invested by KSC into research and development projects. The technology could be applied to structures currently in place at NASA Centers to prevent corrosion of the steel rebar in concrete.

Measurable Impact

• NASA has nonexclusively licensed this technology to two companies: Cortec Corporation and Surtreat Holding LLC.
• Cortec conducted trials in 2004 and 2005 in Australia, France, and the United States. Cortec has developed a new phase-3 coating, which the company believes improves the potential of the original technology.
• Surtreat installed the Liquid Galvanic Coating System® at the U.S. Army NaHa Port, Okinawa, Japan. Project installation was completed in February, and final testing will take place in April and May 2007.