Optimizing electrokinetic treatments for enhanced mortar durability: ionic migration and microstructural analysis

This study investigated the effects of electrokinetic treatments on mortar specimens using a range of experimental techniques. Ionic migration tests revealed that increasing voltage and duration led to higher charge transfer, with Ca(OH)2 electrolyte showing the highest cationic migration. X-ray fluorescence analysis indicated that Nano-Silica treatment resulted in the highest oxide content, transforming absorbed elements effectively. The chloride penetration test demonstrated that Ca(OH)2 treatment exhibited the lowest charge passed, suggesting minimal chloride penetration, while NaOH and KOH treatments showed higher charge passed. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis provided visual evidence of structural changes and material depositions. Calcium Hydroxide treatment reduced porosity, Sodium Hydroxide, and Potassium Hydroxide treatments displayed distinct particle distributions, and Nano Silica treatment led to the formation of hair-like crystal structures. These findings help to understand the microstructure and composition of cement mortar specimens after various treatments. The nano-silica electrolyte appeared as a viable choice for electro-kinetic therapy, whereas Ca(OH)2 treatment stated the potential to reduce chloride penetration in mortar specimens. The results offer insights into optimizing electrokinetic treatments for improved mortar performance.