Term: cathodic protection

Cathodic protection is a corrosion control technique used to protect metal surfaces from rusting and deterioration by making them the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This is commonly applied to structures like pipelines, storage tanks, steel piers, and marine vessels.

There are two main types of cathodic protection:

1. Galvanic (Sacrificial Anode) Protection: In this method, a more reactive metal (such as zinc, magnesium, or aluminum) is attached to the metal structure. This sacrificial anode corrodes instead of the protected metal.

2. Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP): This system uses an external power source to provide a continuous electrical current to the metal structure, using inert anodes. This method is typically used for larger structures or where galvanic protection is insufficient.

In the painting and coatings industry, especially in Australia where coastal and industrial environments can be highly corrosive, cathodic protection is often used in conjunction with protective coatings to extend the life of steel infrastructure.