Nano zinc oxide for efficient activation of aluminium zinc alloy sacrificial anode

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by anodic dissolution of zinc metal strip under standardized experimental conditions. Aluminium zinc alloy sacrificial anodes reinforced with the zinc oxide nanoparticles were fabricated,for application in cathodic protection of steel articles. The process of reinforcement with the particles not only improved the metallurgical properties of the anode but also the galvanic performance of the anodes significantly. The anode reinforced with the optimum quantity of the composite (1%) exhibited a galvanic efficiency as high as 94%. The anode exhibited high and steady anode potential, very low polarisation and very low self-corrosion during a prolonged galvanic exposure studies conducted with sodium chloride solution. The present results have further merits in terms of low cost, non-toxicity and easy disposal.