Technical Guide
Protecting Steel (Reinforcing Bars)
CLEANING RUST
Remove loose rust from the reinforcement steel with the aid of wire brushes or mechanical means like sand blasting etc. Sand blasting & cleaning will remove the oxide layers reducing the steel sections. However micro-crevices on the steel surface still remain uncleaned. This can be done using Rust remover, which helps in removing even the finest remaining rust.
CHEMICAL CLEANING
Apply RUSTICIDE solution to all the exposed steel. This will remove any residual rust and also render the surface of the steel passive and prevent fresh corrosion. Allow the RUSTICIDE application for 24 hours and then brush off any loose particles by using a dry paintbrush.
PRESERVING PASSIVE CONDITIONS AROUND STEEL.
The ideal condition around the steel should be alkaline always, in the pH range 11.50 to 13.00 to prevent corrosion totally. A slurry of Polymer based chemicals plus cement (1:1.50 proportion by weight) provides the requisite alkalinity and polymeric protection to the steel due to the extraordinary bonding capacity of the polymer. Hence give a brush coat of this slurry to the entire exposed, chemically de-rusted surface. Care should be taken to coverall the steel, with out leaving even the minutest part of the steel uncovered. Preferably, apply two coats at four hour intervals.
Part of reinforcing steel, which has not been exposed, continues to be embedded in concrete. If possible Polymer based chemicals plus cement slurry should be injected in the concrete along the steel so that the portion of the steel still embedded in the concrete will also be in permanent alkaline condition.