Comparative study of special iron-silicon-chromium alloy electrode (FeSiCr) and Zinc electrode (Zn)

Abstract

Corrosion is an oxidation-reduction reaction that occurs mainly in metals in contact and with different potential energies, both subjected to an environment conducive to the circulation of electrons or ions. A widely used method for protecting metals is cathodic protection, which can be galvanic cathodic protection or impressed current cathodic protection. The structure to be protected by cathodic protection is called the cathode and the other metal that will suffer the sacrifice of donating electrons and being worn out is the anode, normally called the sacrificial anode. There are several types of materials that are used as anodes. Zinc (Zn) is a metal highly recommended as an anode for protecting vessels due to its ease of installation and maintenance. Another material used in cathodic protection as an anode is Iron-Silicon-Chrome (FeSiCr), which is a special alloy, considered inert. Comparing the Zn electrode with the FeSiCr electrode for cathodic protection of buried steel pipes, it can be concluded that the FeSiCr electrode is more efficient. The most relevant factor when comparing the two electrodes in the same condition is their material loss rate.