Product Data Sheet

Edition 2, 2015
Version no. 12.2014

Sika Ferrogard® -903

Corrosion Inhibiting Impregnation
Product ®
Sika Ferrogard -903 is a surface applied mixed corrosion inhibiting, designed for
Description use as an impregnation of steel reinforced concrete.
® ®
Sika Ferrogard -903 is based on organic compounds. Sika® FerroGard -903
penetrates the concrete and forms a protective monomolecular layer on the surface
of the reinforcing steel.

Protection with Sika® FerroGard®-903 both delays the start of corrosion and
®
reduces the corrosion rate. Corrosion protection with Sika® FerroGard -903
Construction

increases the service and maintenance life cycles by up to 15 years when used as
a part of a complete Sika Concrete Repair and Protection System.
Uses  For the corrosion protection of steel reinforced concrete structures above and
below the ground
 As a corrosion control treatment for undamaged reinforced concrete where
reinforcing steel is corroding, or is at risk from corrosion due to the effects of
carbonated or chloride contaminated concrete.
 Sika® Ferrogard®-903 is especially suitable for extending the service life of
aesthetically valuable fair-faced concrete surfaces such as historic structures.
Characteristics /  Complies to principle 11 of EN 1504-9 method 11.3 (applying inhibitor to the
Advantages concrete).
 Does not change the appearance of the concrete structure
 Does not alter the water vapour diffusion properties of concrete.
 Long term protection and durability
 Can be applied to the surface of existing repairs and to surrounding areas to
prevent the development of incipient anodes
 Protects both, cathodic (principle 9) and anodic (principle 11) zones of
reinforcing steel
 Can be applied where other repair/prevention options are not viable
 Economical extension of the service life of reinforced concrete structures.
 Easy, economical application, renewable
 Can be used as part of a simple yet effective concrete repair and protection
system
 Penetration depth can be tested on site using the Sika “Qualitative Analysis
Test”- refer to your local Technical Service Department for details
Test Certificates  BRE, The use of surface applied FerroGard 903+ corrosion inhibitor to delay
the onset of chloride induced corrosion in hardened concrete, BRE Client
Report No. 224-346, 2005
 Mott MacDonald, Evaluation of Sika FerroGard, Ref. 26’063/001 Rev. A April
1996.
 SAMARIS (Sustainable and Advanced Materials for Road Infrastructure) –
Final Report, Deliverables D17a, D17b, D21 & D25a, Copenhagen, 2006
 Mulheron, M., Nwaubani, S.O. , Corrosion Inhibitors for High Performance
 Reinforced Concrete Structures, University of Surrey, 1999
 C-Probe Systems Ltd., Performance of Corrosion Inhibitors in Practice, 2000
®
Sika Ferrogard -903 has been tested as per SCAQMD Rule 1168'
Result VOC Content < 25 g/L
Product Data
Colour Transparent liquid.
Packaging 5 kg and 20 kg pails
200 kg drums
Bulk Tanks packing available upon request
Storage/ Shelf Life Stored in unopened original containers in cool conditions, shelf life is at least 12
months from date of production.

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Technical Data
Density (20°C) ~1.04 kg/I
Viscosity (20°C) ~ 24 mPas.s
pH-value ̃ ~10
Penetration Rate Site surveys and experimental tests have shown that Sika® FerroGard®-903 can
penetrate through concrete at a rate of a few millimetres per day and to a depth of
approximately 25 to 40 mm in 1 month. This penetration rate can be faster or
slower dependent on the porosity of the concrete. Sika® FerroGard®-903
penetrates through both liquid and vapour phase diffusion mechanisms.
Note:
If after application of Sika® FerroGard®-903, the concrete surface is coated with
protective coatings (cement based, acrylic or impregnation) or hydrophobic
impregnation, the rate of diffusion of the inhibitor is reduced but not stopped as the
mechanism of diffusion liaises then only on the vapour phase.
As concrete quality and permeability differ, it is recommended to perform some
preliminary depth profile testing by the Sika “Qualitative Analysis” to assess the
specific penetration rate.
Application Data
2
Consumption Total consumption 0.300 - 0.500 kg/m .
2
Minimum total quantity to be applied not less than 0.300 kg/m .
To assess project requirements, consumption and depth of penetration shall be
checked on site using the Sika “Qualitative Analysis” – refer to the relevant method
statement.
Substrate Quality The concrete shall be free from dust, loose material, surface contamination, existing
renders, laitance, coatings, oil and other materials which reduce or prevent
penetration.
If the substrate is to be over-coated, the surface profile shall be sufficient to provide
the required adhesion
Substrate Preparation Delaminated, weak, damaged and deteriorated concrete shall be repaired using
SikaTop® or Sika repair mortars.
For fair-faced concrete or concrete to be further over-coated by coatings or
hydrophobic impregnation, water blast the concrete surface with pressure (up to 18
MPa – 180 bars)
For concrete surface to be further over-coated by cementitious material, roughen
the surface using suitable abrasive blast cleaning techniques or high pressure water
blasting (up to 60 MPa – 600 bars).
For optimum penetration the substrate shall be allowed to dry out prior to the
application of Sika® Ferrogard®-903.
Application
Application Temperature Substrate and ambient temperature min + 5 °C, max. + 35 °C.
Application Procedures The number of coats to be applied depends on the absorbency of the substrate
Normally 3 - 5 coats are needed to apply a total of 400 gr/m² which are required.
®
Application Sika Ferrogard -903 is supplied ready for use and may not be diluted. The product
must be applied to saturation by brush, roller or low pressure hand-spray
equipment. If possible do not apply in direct sunshine.
Application Method / Sika® FerroGard®-903 shall be applied to saturation by brush, roller, low pressure
Tools or airless spray equipment.
After the application of the last coat, as soon as the surface become mat, do a low
pressure water cleaning (water hose).
The day after application, the treated surfaces shall be cleaned by pressure
washing (~ 10 MPa – 100 bars).

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Waiting Time / Number of coats:
Overcoatability This is dependent on the porosity and moisture content of the substrate and the
weather conditions.
Vertical surfaces:
Normally, 2 to 3 coats are necessary to achieve the required consumption. In case
of dense concrete, additional coats may be required.
Horizontal Surfaces:
Saturate surface by 1-2 coats, take care to avoid ponding.
Waiting time between coats:
This is dependent on the porosity of the concrete and the weather conditions,
normally 1-6 hours. Allow the surface to dry out between coats to a matt damp
appearance.
OVERCOATING:.
When Sika® FerroGard®-903 is used within a patch repair or before a cementitious
overlay, Sika repair or overlay system can then be used. Standard preparation
(prewetting) shall then be applied.
When using a smoothing coat/pore filler over surface treated with Sika®
FerroGard®-903, products such as SikaTop®-121, Sikagard®-720 EpoCem® or
SikaTop®-Seal 107, etc can be used.
Cementitious levelling mortars shall only be used if there is a well prepared open
textured surface that is completely cleaned of residue.
If other Sika products are to be used, site trials are recommended to confirm
preparation and suitability
If non Sika products are to be used, please contact the manufacturer technical
department for confirmation of compatibility with Sika® FerroGard®-903+or
undertake compatibility and adhesion site trials.
Cleaning Use water to clean implements
Limitations Do not apply when rain or frost is expected.

The following construction materials have to be protected from splashes of Sika®

FerroGard®-903+ during application:

- Aluminium, copper, galvanised steel, marble and other similar natural stone
Visible concrete defects (spalling, cracks etc) must be repaired using conventional
repair methods (removal of delaminating or loose concrete, treatment of
reinforcement, reprofiling etc.)

Alternatively to the method described above, Sika® FerroGard®-903 can be

applied after repair works (but not overlay) has been carried out (after hardening of
the repair material) – freshly repaired area might not need to be treated with the
inhibitor. If this is nevertheless done, lower diffusion is then expected at the zones
that were repaired.

Typical maximum chloride content at rebar level is 1% by weight of cement of free

chloride ions (corresponding to 1.7% of sodium chloride). Above this limit,
according to site conditions and level of corrosion activities, increased consumption
of Sika® FerroGard®-903 can be considered. Trials and corrosion rate monitoring
to confirm consumption and effectiveness shall be carried out.

To provide efficient protection, concentration of Sika® FerroGard®-903 at rebar

level shall be minimum 100ppm when measured by chromatography ionic –
detailed method available upon request.

Do not apply in tidal zones or to substrates saturated with water.

Avoid application in direct sun and/or strong wind and/or rain.

Do not apply to concrete in direct contact with drinking water.

Depending on substrate conditions, the application of Sika® FerroGard®-903 may

lead to a slight darkening of the surface. Proceed with preliminary testing.

All surface treatments are to be carried out using cold potable water.

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 Curing Details Sika® FerroGard®-903+ does not require any special curing but must be protected
from rain for at least 4 hours
Safety Instructions
Ecology The product is a light water contaminant. Do not dispose of into soil or waters but
according to local regulations.
Transport Non-hazardous
Safety precautions Only use in well ventilated areas.
Wear goggles and rubber gloves.
Toxicity Non-toxic under the relevant health and safety codes.
Legal notes The information, and in particular, the recommendations relating to the application and end-use of
Sika products, are given in good faith based on Sika's current knowledge and experience of the products
when properly stored, handled and applied under normal conditions in accordance with
Sika’s recommendations. In practice, the differences in materials, substrates and actual site conditions are
such that no warranty in respect of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose, nor any liability
arising out of any legal relationship whatsoever, can be inferred either from this information, or from any
written recommendations, or from any other advice offered. The user of the product must test the product’s
suitability for the intended application and purpose. Sika reserves the right to change the properties of its
products. The proprietary rights of third parties must be observed. All orders are accepted subject to our
current terms of sale and delivery. Users must always refer to the most recent issue of the local Product
Construction

Data Sheet for the product concerned, copies of which will be supplied on request.

Sika Egypt for Construction Chemicals

El Abour City Tel :+202- 4481 0580
st
1 industrial zone (A) Fax :+202- 4481 0459
Section # 10 Block 13035, Mob :+2012- 2390 8822/55
Egypt www.sika.com.eg

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