Low Voltage Anode Materials

Zinc and aluminum based anodes are typically used for cathodic protection of Navy vessels as a secondary protection system in the event of paint failure. These anode materials have electrochemical potentials in the range of < -1000mV (SCE). However, potential for hydrogen embrittlement of high strength steel and nickel based alloys is significant within this range. This is particularly true in regions where only small coating defects exist resulting in complete polarization of the substrate to anode voltages. The focus of this effort is to develop new materials with an electrochemical potential within the range of -850mV (SCE) that are capable of supporting large anodic current densities. Luna proposes to exploit the use of specific chemical and electrochemical properties of oxide forming alloying elements to tailor the breakdown and corrosion potential of aluminum alloys into the desired range.