A self-healing coating for reinforcing steel embedded in concrete includes emulsion derived microcapsules having a healing agent and adapted for dispersion through a liquid coating medium for application on a structural steel surface to form a coating for corrosion prevention. The microcapsule particles are dispersed in the coating medium for being disposed on the surface and are configured to rupture and release the healing agent onto the surface in response to a compromise of the coating, such as being dropped or dragged on a construction site. The self-healing agent, such as Tung oil, complements the protective properties of the coating medium by flowing into regions where the coating medium has been scraped off, flaked off, or otherwise undergone compromise. Alternatively, post-installation corrosive influences, such as rust and oxidation, can also cause rupture of the particles to abate corrosion in the concrete-encased steel members.

A coated article is described, including a substrate with a coating composition applied thereon to provide a coated article with a textured surface. In one aspect, the coated article is a steel rebar used to reinforce concrete. The textured surface provides optimal surface roughness and demonstrates superior pullout strength relative to an uncoated standard.

An anode assembly for the corrosion protection of metal parts embedded in concrete. An ion-conducting material is placed between the metal part that is to be protected and the anode, wherein the ion-conducting material exhibits higher ionic conductivity than the surrounding concrete, thus directing the protective current specifically towards the metal part. A galvanic sacrificial anode may be provided, made, e.g., from zinc and its alloys or aluminum and its alloys. The purpose of the material with higher ionic conductivity than the surrounding concrete is to selectively direct the protective galvanic current towards the metal part that is to be protected. The ion conducting material exhibits 20%, and more preferably 50%, higher conductivity than the surrounding concrete. A suitable ion-conducting material that exhibits ion-exchange properties may comprise tecto-alumo-silicate materials. The anode may be placed in close contact to or may be embedded into the ion-conducting material as well.

A coated article is described, including a substrate with a coating composition applied thereon to provide a coated article with a textured surface. In one aspect, the coated article is a steel rebar used to reinforce concrete. The textured surface provides optimal surface roughness and demonstrates superior pullout strength relative to an uncoated standard.

A method for coating a structural element includes laser ablating a structural element to remove surface contamination; applying a graphene-enhanced coating to the structural element; and encasing the structural element in a graphene-enhanced primary building material.