NSF Award
9460343
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to design and test a tailored composite sacrificial anode for galvanic cathodic protection systems for reinforced and prestressed concrete. This anode system can be tailored for each application to provide the desired performance characteristics by changing the composition and form of the finished composite. The composite sacrificial anode will contain all of the necessary components in a single unit, minimizing the need for special installation procedures. Galvanic cathodic protection systems have not been extensively developed for corrosion control of reinforced concrete due to voltage and current limitations of single-component solid metal ribbon or plate anodes. Interest has been renewed due to the need for cost-effective rehabilitation of the nation's deteriorating infrastructure. Galvanic cathodic protection is also being considered for prestressed concrete structures to avoid risk of hydrogen embrittlement caused by overprotection of the steel by electrically driven systems. The focus of the proposed program will be on development and testing of composite sacrificial anodes in wet alkaline sand and 3 m concrete slabs for galvanic protection of reinforcing steel and prestressing wires. The effects of fabrication methods, anode composition, physical characteristics and form, and concrete chemistry on galvanic performance will be evaluated.
