Effects of Green Electrolyte Characteristics on Environmental Response and Performance of Electrochemical Reinforcement Systems
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Abstract
Objective: The study investigates how the physicochemical characteristics of biodegradable polymer-based green electrolytes influence electrochemical reinforcement efficiency, environmental responsiveness, and substrate stabilization. The goal is to establish correlations between electrolyte properties and system performance across soil, concrete, and metallic substrates. Methods: Green electrolytes were synthesized using pectin, chitosan, and kappa-carrageenan matrices combined with ionic salts and plasticizers. Electrochemical reinforcement experiments were conducted in laboratory-scale cells under controlled temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure. Substrates were characterized before and after treatment, and electrochemical behavior was monitored via cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, and potential/current mapping. Ionic conductivity, viscosity, pH stability, and biodegradability of electrolytes were systematically measured. Results: High-conductivity electrolytes, such as Pectin-PVA with 30% glycerol, achieved uniform reinforcement fronts with peak current densities of 2.1 mA/cm2 and consistent potential distribution across substrates. Compressive strength of concrete samples increased by 25%, while soil bulk density improved by 18%. Corrosion current in metallic substrates decreased from 15 µA/cm2 to 5 µA/cm2. Environmental simulations showed stable performance under 10–50◦C temperature range and 30–95% relative humidity, with pH variations within ±0.1 units. Conclusion: Electrolyte properties, including conductivity, viscosity, polymer matrix structure, and plasticizer content, are critical determinants of electrochemical reinforcement efficiency and environmental resilience. Optimized green electrolytes provide uniform substrate stabilization, corrosion mitigation, and adaptability to environmental variations, offering a sustainable, efficient alternative to conventional electrolytes for structural reinforcement applications.
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