Assessment of Steel Reinforcement Corrosion Resistance in Sulphur Infiltrated Concrete: An Electrochemical and Compositional Analysis
Received: 30 November 2025 | Revised: 28 December 2025 | Accepted: 9 January 2026 | Online: 16 February 2026
Corresponding author: Gayatri Pathak
Abstract
This study assesses the electrochemical compatibility of steel reinforcement with molten sulfur in Sulfur-Infiltrated Concrete (SIC) through integrated electrochemical and compositional analyses. Twelve cylindrical concrete specimens (100 mm × 200 mm) with 10-mm-diameter Fe550D steel reinforcement embedded in them were prepared: six with sulfur infiltration and six without. Half-cell potential measurements were conducted on triplicate specimens from each series at 1-day and 28-day curing ages according to ASTM C876-15. These measurements were complemented by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) characterization at 28 days. The results show that sulphur infiltration does not adversely affect the electrochemical state of embedded steel reinforcement. SIC specimens exhibited corrosion potentials of −181 mV (1-day) and −211 mV (28-day) versus −193 mV and −237 mV for conventional concrete. Both specimen types remained within the low corrosion probability range (more positive than −350 mV versus CSE) according to ASTM C876 criteria, confirming that exposure to molten sulphur at 140°C does not initiate corrosion. SEM imaging revealed a modified pore structure with a sulfur coating on cement particles. EDX analysis confirmed a fivefold higher sulfur content in SIC (2.6 wt%) than in conventional concrete (0.5 wt%). These findings establish the electrochemical compatibility of sulfur infiltration with steel reinforcement and validate that the SIC process does not compromise steel passivity, making it suitable for reinforced concrete precast applications.
Keywords:
corrosion assessment, steel reinforcement, sulphur infiltrated concrete, half-cell potential, SEM-EDX, electrochemical compatibilityDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gayatri Pathak, S. Sangita Mishra, Shrikant Charhate
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