Developing a Novel pH Buffer Methodology to Inhibit Concrete Corrosion 

Have you ever wondered why concrete sidewalks crack? Do you know why bridges collapse? As 2nd Place Grand Prize Award winner at the 2008 Intel Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Materials Science and Bioengineering, Michael Loy of Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, Oregon searched for the answers and solutions.  Most people don’t know that concrete uses up more natural resources than any other industry, contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and global warming and costs over $100 billion dollars per year in repair and replacement in the United States alone!
Michael’s innovative research project focused on reducing the deterioration of concrete by “Designing a Novel pH Buffer Methodology to Inhibit Concrete Corrosion”.  He created a non-toxic, cost-effective chemical admixture which, when added to the concrete mix, reduced the probability of corrosion in steel reinforced concrete without significantly affecting other concrete properties.  Since corrosion is a major cause of concrete deterioration, Michael’s project has huge implications for the concrete industry by extending the service life of concrete and promoting a sustainable environment.