Cathodic protection is a corrosion control technique used to protect metal surfaces (such as steel) from rusting or corroding. It works by converting the metal surface into the cathode of an electrochemical cell, thereby reducing or stopping the corrosion process.
There are two main types of cathodic protection:
Galvanic (Sacrificial Anode) Protection: This involves attaching a more reactive metal (like zinc, magnesium, or aluminium) to the metal structure. The sacrificial anode corrodes instead of the protected metal.
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP): This uses an external power source to provide a continuous electrical current, forcing the protected metal to act as a cathode and preventing corrosion.
In Australia, cathodic protection is commonly used in industries such as:
- Marine (e.g., ships, offshore platforms)
- Infrastructure (e.g., pipelines, bridges)
- Construction (e.g., steel reinforcements in concrete)
It’s an essential method for extending the lifespan of metal structures exposed to harsh environments, especially in coastal or underground applications.