Conductive Mortar as Anode Material for Cathodic Protection of Steel in Concrete

The behavior of a new type of secondary anode material made of carbon fiber reinforced cement used for cathodic protection of steel in concrete was studied. The mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties of this conductive mortar were investigated. Results indicate that the addition of carbon fiber enhances the strength and ductility of the mortar, as well as the electrical property. The anodic polarization behavior was tested on specimens immersed in aqueous solutions of saturated Ca(OH)2 in the presence or absence of 3% NaCl. Based on impedance measurements the electrochemical parameters of conductive mortar were calculated. It is shown that the investigated conductive mortar can be used in cathodic protection of reinforced concrete. The study also shows that the optimum fiber content in mortar should be in the range from 0.5 vol% to 0.7 vol%.