Electrochemical properties of composite anodes for cathodic protection

Comparative results of electrochemical investigations of polymeric composit es with different contents of carbon black and graphite activated with ruth enium oxides are presented. Electrochemical impedance measurements (EIS), e nabling determination of electrical and electrochemical properties of polym eric composites, were accompanied by potential measurements performed durin g a 21-day galvanostatic polarization at 5 A m(-2) current density. Gravime tric measurements were also made to determine the extent of anode consumpti on. It was demonstrated that the presence of ruthenium oxides characterised by high electrocatalytic activity in the polymeric composites causes an im provement in the polarisation characteristics, a decrease in the value and improvement in stability of the potential during long-term operation, and a lso a decrease in the anode consumption, as compared to composites exclusiv ely containing activated carbon black.