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MMFX 2 rebar was developed
through the use of nanotechnology by Dr. Gareth Thomas,
graduate school professor of materials science at Univ. of
California, Berkeley. It is highly corrosion resistant and equal,
or in
many cases, far superior to existing conventional carbon steel
in its properties of strength, energy absorption, toughness,
brittleness, ductility, and formability. In addition, MMFX
steels is also economical to produce and install. MMFX steel achieves its superior properties
of corrosion resistance as a result of the patented and
proprietary steel microstructure
that is formed during production. Its proprietary material
composition and
production processes minimize the formation of mircogalvanic
cells, a significant contributor
to the initiation and acceleration of corrosion activity.
MMFX Steel’s proprietary chemical composition and production
process control the steel’s martensitic microcomposite
microstructure as shown in Figures A and B. MMFX’s
designed microstructure consists of untransformed nano sheets
of austenite between
laths of dislocated martensite, resulting in a virtually
carbide free steel. Without the
creation of continuous paths of carbides, microgalvanic cell
formation is minimized during MMFX’s production. Reduction
of mircogalvanic cell formation in MMFX steels are
demonstrated by viewing their microstructures. Material
microstructural properties are
characterized utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
techniques as illustrated
in Figure B and are observed through use of electron
microscopes. Hence, the control of MMFX steel’s morphology
(form and structure) of its microstructure has resulted in its
significantly superior material properties.
MMFX’s
microstructure not only provides the primary mechanism for its
high corrosion resistance but also contributes to its superior
mechanical properties of high strength with ductility, high
fatigue resistance, and low temperature brittle fracture
resistance. These material properties lead to longer service
live in corrosive environments and lower construction costs.
MMFX’s
superior strength provides an opportunity to save construction
costs and materials along with simplifying placement of
concrete, as a result of greater bar spacing, in heavily
reinforced concrete structures.
In addition, MMFX’s superior corrosion resistance offers the
potential opportunity to reduce concrete cover in certain
structures needed as a result of the corrosive environments in
which they are constructed. Field installation can further be
simplified as
MMFX’s
monolithic composition means that: 1. Field handling will not
damage MMFX as can occur to coated products requiring field
touch up of field damaged coatings, 2. Standard field rebar
fabrication procedures are possible with MMFX vs. special
requirements for offsite cutting and bending of coated
products and special requirements to place protective end caps
for cladded products, and 3. No special field erection safety
hazards exist for MMFX, as can occur on slick epoxy coated
surfaces. All of these product qualities add up to potential
significant costs savings through the use of MMFX and are seen
both during installation and through out the life of the
project. |
Figure A
(Click on the figure for
larger one)
Figure B
(Click on the figure for larger one)
Iowa Bridge Deck
(Click on the figure for larger one)
Oklahoma Bridge Girders
(Click on the figure for larger one)
Florida Residence Slab
(Click on the figure for larger one) |
