A common best practice to make new or existing concrete structures last longer is to apply a concrete sealer periodically. This is especially true for concrete that is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. With an in-house technology, Cortec is able to slow down corrosion on concrete structures, using its MCI water repellents.
Click to download and read pdf
Under extreme and harsh conditions, water may penetrate into concrete pores, freeze, expand, and cause concrete cracking. These cracks make it easier for corrosives to enter and attack embedded rebar, starting a whole new cycle of expansion, cracking, and concrete deterioration.
A silane sealer is commonly used to slow down this process; however, an even more powerful option – with no extra labour required – is to apply a Cortec® MCI® concrete sealer enhanced with Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors.
When applied, MCI water repellents create a hydrophobic layer at the concrete surface to prevent intrusion of chlorides and carbonation, and to protect concrete from the ingress of wind-driven rain. At the same time, MCI molecules penetrate through the concrete pore structure to form a corrosion inhibiting molecular layer on the surface of embedded metal reinforcement.
The dual protection is easy to achieve, simply by applying one product. Cortec offers several versions of MCI water repellents from which contractors can select, based on varying needs for each specific project.
Two-in-One: Water repellent/corrosion inhibitor
This water repellent provided a convenient solution in the repair of university residential halls that were experiencing corrosion. Normally, the contractor would have applied a standard 40% silane water repellent on the building walls after repairs were made; however, with MCI-2019 – a 40% silane concrete sealer containing time-proven Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors – the workers were able to reduce moisture ingress and mitigate rebar corrosion rates. A non-etching feature was another important reason for choosing MCI‑2019 – to avoid damaging newly installed windows on the three residential towers.
MCI-2018 is a 100% silane sealer containing Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors for projects in need of even stronger water repellence. MCI-2018 has ANSI/NSF Standard 61 certification and is an excellent choice for dual sealing and corrosion protection of large concrete potable water structures.
MCI-2018 and MCI-2019 have been tested according to US Bureau of Reclamation M-82 (M0820000.714) Standard Protocol to Evaluate the Performance of Corrosion Mitigation Technologies in Concrete Repairs. The test demonstrated that both were able to mitigate pre-existing corrosion in reinforced concrete, independent of chloride levels. This quality makes MCI-2018 and MCI-2019 ideal for performing concrete repairs.
Stain resistant formula
Parking garages, commercial buildings, and industrial floors exposed to high levels of oils and grease often require stain resistance in addition to water repellence and corrosion protection. An excellent option for these cases is MCI POWR 100. The silane water repellent contains MCI as well as an oleophobic additive that resists staining caused by motor oils, food, and other oily substances. It does not affect the colour, gloss, or visual aesthetics of concrete. Treated surfaces remain fully breathable and maintain their natural moisture vapour transmission. MCI water repellents are powerful options for enhanced concrete protection without the need for additional labour than what is required to apply a standard concrete sealer.