Carbonation of concrete is the result of a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide in the air and calcium hydroxide as well as hydrated calcium silicate in the concrete to form calcium carbonates. Over time carbonation reduces the pH, which ultimately leads to corrosion of concrete and loss of mechanical strength.
PENETRON, a highly alkaline, crystalline coating provides a high resistance against carbonation. It can be used effectively to protect new concrete as well as for the repair of existing concrete structures.
Recent tests show a significantly higher carbonation resistance of PENETRON-treated concrete compared to a SN EN 206-1 designed concrete mix for exposure classes XC4 and XC3.
With a 69% lower carbonation coefficient, the lower-quality, PENETRON-treated concrete provides an effective, long-lasting one-product solution for the repair of carbonated concrete structures and rehabilitation of corroded reinforcement steel. Not only does Penetron significantly slow down the speed of carbonation – even in more porous concrete structures – it also reduces the potential of incompatibility problems of other multi-product repair solutions as well as the need for reapplication and significantly reduces cost of repairs.