CathSense control panels. Knowledge hub. Cathodic protection explained. Cathodic protection levels. Aluminium vs. Corrosion explained. Galvanic series. Box cooler corrosion issues. Electrolytic antifouling explained. Remote access software. My orders. My account. Log in. Home Aluminium vs. Anode quality is key Whether you choose zinc or aluminium, the grade and the composition are key to the effectiveness of the anode.
You may also want to see Different models and design of anodes in aluminium. You may also read about Different models and design of anodes in zinc. Last updated: Oxidation wears out metal parts frequently, causing them to fail faster if they are not protected by a sacrificial anode.
When trying to understand corrosion that occurs in salt water, you have to think about salt water as containing electrolytes that create an electrically conducive solution. When metals are introduced into this solution, such as iron, bronze or aluminum that is constructed into boat hulls, ship propellers, outboard engines, storage tanks, and fuel pipelines, each metal will have a type of electrochemical potential or active voltage.
As the electrolytes dissolve, parts of it are drawn to the metal that has an abundant number of electrons, while the other parts are drawn to another metal that has a deficit in the number of electrons it possesses. This back and forth movement of the dissolved electrolytes creates a current, as the salt water breaks apart the metal parts by making them give up its electrons to the saltwater.
The complete and active 'giving' of a Martyr anode is your assurance of the finest protection you can buy for your boat. What is Galvanic Corrosion? If you've noticed corrosion on the metal parts of your boat located below the waterline, you are the victim of "galvanic corrosion".
The scientific term "galvanic" corrosion describes the type of corrosion that anodes are intended to absorb. This corrosion is normally caused by different metals being near each other in salt water. Galvanic corrosion, an electromechanical action, causes metal parts to decompose. This destructive process is caused by electrolysis, an electric current set up between the metal parts of your boat, with salt water as the electrolyte.
The effect is like a flashlight battery -- an electrical current is created and continues until one of the metals is eaten up -- the battery goes "dead". What is Electrolytic Corrosion? Electrical Capacity — Aluminium anodes have a greater electrical potential.
Aluminium far out performs zinc by corroding more slowly and lasting longer. This in itself can create a great cost saving. The way the anode corrodes is different for zinc than aluminium, some mistake the lack of corrosion on aluminium for it not working. This is not the case. Weight — Aluminium is significantly lighter in weight than zinc so the transportation costs are less, as it the effort required to fit them.
Zinc is 2. Why do you need less anode weight? Less is more in the case of aluminium. Price — At the moment, zinc anodes are often more expensive than aluminium due to metal prices. The price of shipping of zinc can often work out more expensive than aluminium depending on the anodes you need , because the weight is more. Looks — Aluminium anodes tend to look a bit brighter than zinc but have a slightly more matt finish, but this is not always the case.
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