Application of CFRP as anode in cathodic protection for steel reinforced concrete – a review

Building Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

^* Corresponding author: emma.zhang@chalmers.se

Abstract

Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is an electrochemical method to prevent or stop corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete structures. The use of this technique is limited although it has been proven to be effective. One of the reasons is the high cost of anode material, commonly titanium anode. Hence there is a need for alternative anode materials to lower the cost and at the same time to improve the performance of the ICCP system through design. This paper reviews carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) as an anode for ICCP systems in concrete and discusses the degradation mechanism and operating conditions of the anode. It also gives an overview of the performance of CFRP as an anode material, from laboratory experiments to field operation.