Electrophoretic Deposition Techniques for Corrosion Protection of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete Structures

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) has emerged as a versatile and cost-effective surface modification technique for improving the corrosion resistance of reinforcing steel in concrete structures. This paper reviews the fundamental principles of EPD, emphasizing the influence of suspension parameters—such as zeta potential, solvent type, particle concentration, and electrolyte conductivity—as well as operational variables including voltage, deposition time, and substrate conductivity, on the quality and uniformity of deposited coatings. The study discusses the comparative advantages of aqueous and organic solvents, highlighting the limitations posed by water electrolysis and the benefits of using low-viscosity, high-dielectric organic media. Key challenges, such as crack formation, bubble entrapment, and stability of suspensions, are analyzed, alongside practical strategies for their mitigation through optimal process control. Applications of EPD in nanotechnology and advanced material fabrication are addressed, with a focus on coatings using nanostructured materials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, and hydroxyapatite. Results demonstrate that EPD enables the formation of uniform, adherent coatings with improved protective properties by precisely tailoring deposition parameters. The findings underscore EPD’s potential for large-scale implementation in civil engineering, offering enhanced durability, ease of processing, and compatibility with diverse conductive substrates.

کلیدواژه ها:

Electrophoretic Deposition ، Corrosion Protection ، Reinforcing Steel ، Concrete Structures