Structural corrosion is a multi-billion dollar problem in the United States and facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are far from immune. NASA KSC and Surtreat Southeast, Inc., of Cape Canaveral, FL, signed a Space Act Agreement on Feb. 2 to test a possible solution.
KSC materials scientists have been researching this problem for about two years. Their studies have focused on an electrical treatment known as electromigration. This process sends corrosion inhibiting ions to the rebar or steel bars imbedded in a concrete slab. The objective is to prevent the rebar from rusting, corroding and separating from the concrete.
With the help of Florida's Technological Research and Development Authority, Surtreat Southeast approached KSC with another option. The Technological Research and Development Authority is an independent state agency that partners with Kennedy in many technology transfer initiatives.
Surtreat Southeast presented an anti-corrosive chemical product called Surtreat GPHP. The chemical is applied to the surface of a corroding concrete slab and then seeps through to the rebar, coating it and preventing further corrosion. "It corrects the chemical imbalance that causes the rebar to corrode. Traditional structural repair methods only last a couple of years," explained Jim Emory, President of Surtreat Southeast.
Dr. Rupert Lee, NASA project engineer, calls the opportunity to combine the electrical and chemical processes a dream come true. "Any breakthrough in corrosion mitigation technology will have a significant impact on the integrity of this nation's infrastructure," said Lee.
Surtreat GPHP inventor Robert Walde said, "Combining NASA and Surtreat technologies may result in a unique process with broad corrosion control applications and could save NASA and others a lot of money."
The Space Act Agreement, signed by Gene Thomas, KSC's Deputy Center Director and Emory requires no transfer of funds. "This agreement is a commitment of resources other than funding. It's a mutually beneficial relationship between KSC and private industry," said Kristen Riley, KSC Dual Use Program Manager. The Dual Use Program is part of NASA's technology transfer and commercialization effort.
Surtreat will provide the corrosion inhibiting chemical and concrete testing slabs to NASA along with technical and manpower support as needed. Kennedy will provide testing specifications and procedures, prepare the test slabs with the Surtreat chemical, and environmentally test the chemical.
KSC materials scientists will also consider the applicability of the chemical treatment to the electromigration process and prepare a report on its effectiveness. The testing process lasts about 12 months.