Investigation on CFRP as dual-functional material in chloride-contaminated solutions

This paper investigates the performance of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) as a dual function material in combined impressed current cathodic protection and structural strengthening of reinforced concrete structures. Tests in solution showed that CFRP maintain stable electrical conductivity after 80 d accelerated anodic polarization. Results suggest that oxygen evolution occurring at low chloride ion concentration ([Cl]) primarily damages the carbon fibre, while chlorine evolution occurring at high [Cl] primarily damages the epoxy resin. The tensile strength of CFRP after anodic polarization decreases with increasing circulated charge, and, for a given circulated charge, it increases with increasing [Cl].