Repair Systems — Concrete & Structural Defects
Migrating corrosion inhibitors (MCI)
Technical product reference for migrating corrosion inhibitors used in reinforcement corrosion management — surface-applied MCI, concrete admixtures, and direct rebar coating products for Australian carparks, balconies, facades, and civil structures.
Migrating corrosion inhibitors (MCI) in reinforcement corrosion management
Migrating corrosion inhibitors (MCIs) are used in reinforcement corrosion management where full concrete removal and rebar cleaning is not feasible — typically on large-area structures such as elevated carparks, bridges, multi-storey building facades, and balconies. MCIs are applied to the concrete surface and migrate through the concrete matrix to the reinforcement, where they form a passivating molecular film that slows the rate of corrosion.
Product Reference
Individual products — one card each — scroll to view all
Sika Australia
Sika FerroGard-903+
Surface-applied migrating corrosion inhibitor (impregnation)
Sika FerroGard-903+ is a surface-applied, mixed migrating corrosion inhibitor for impregnation of existing steel-reinforced concrete. It penetrates the concrete and forms a protective monomolecular layer on the reinforcement, delaying the onset and reducing the rate of corrosion — up to +15 years added service life within a complete Sika repair/protection system. CONFIRM coverage rate against the current Sika Australia TDS.
Sika Australia
Sika FerroGard-901 S
Corrosion-inhibiting admixture for new concrete / mortar
Sika FerroGard-901 is a liquid corrosion-inhibiting admixture for reinforced concrete and mortar, dosed at the mixer. It reduces both the anodic and cathodic reactions of the electrochemical corrosion process and forms a film on the steel that delays the onset of corrosion. CONFIRM dosage and current Australian availability with Sika Australia.
Cortec
Cortec MCI-2020
Surface-applied migrating corrosion inhibitor (liquid + vapour phase)
Cortec MCI-2020 is a surface-applied Migrating Corrosion Inhibitor that penetrates cementitious materials (concrete, mortar, limestone) in both liquid and vapour phases, forming a protective molecular layer on embedded reinforcement and protecting against carbonation, chlorides and other contaminants. CONFIRM the current Australian distributor, coverage rate and application method.
System Comparison
Corrosion inhibitors (MCI) — confirm all selections against the current manufacturer TDS before specifying.
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Do not confuse MCI products with:
- Rebar primers (epoxy zinc-rich) — rebar primers (Fosroc Nitoprime Zincrich, Ardex BR 10 ZP, SikaTop Armatec 110 EpoCem) are applied directly to physically exposed and cleaned rebar — they are not MCIs and do not migrate through concrete
- Waterproofing membranes — crystalline waterproofing and surface coatings reduce moisture ingress but do not act as corrosion inhibitors and should not substitute for MCI in reinforcement corrosion management
- Cathodic protection — galvanic anodes (Galvashield XP) and ICCP systems are electrochemical protection methods; MCIs are chemical inhibitors — both may be used together in a comprehensive corrosion management strategy
- Repair mortars — polymer-modified cementitious repair mortars (Sika MonoTop, Ardex BR 345, Fosroc Renderoc HB, Mapei Mapegrout) are not MCI products — they are the structural patching material placed over primed rebar after break-out
- Silane/siloxane sealers — these reduce chloride ingress from the surface but do not provide the migrating corrosion inhibitor function of MCI products
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Final product selection must be confirmed against the current manufacturer TDS, project specification, substrate condition, and applicable standards. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional engineering advice.