Effectiveness of Coconut Shell Ash for Corrosion Control in Concrete – An Experimental Approach

This study evaluates the performance of coconut shell ash as a corrosion-controlling agent in concrete. Reinforced concrete specimens with different dosages of coconut shell ash were cast and further exposed to an accelerated corrosion process. The corrosion activity was monitored with the help of the most commonly adopted electrochemical techniques viz - half-cell potential and Tafel extrapolation technique. The test results indicated that adding 5% coconut shell ash by the weight of cement in concrete hindered the corrosion activity and resulted in a decreased corrosion rate. The compressive strength of concrete with coconut shell ash was also enhanced compared to concrete without coconut shell ash. Thus, using coconut shell ash as an additive in concrete can be considered an eco-friendly solution as it helps resolve the issue of disposal of agricultural waste material and controls the corrosion activity in concrete. Major findings: The experimental results indicate that incorporating 5% Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) by weight of cement into concrete effectively reduces corrosion and enhances compressive strength. As a waste agricultural byproduct, CSA offers an environmentally friendly solution for agricultural waste disposal while mitigating corrosion in concrete.