Characterization of electrochemical properties of arc-sprayed zinc and zinc-aluminum alloy coatings for cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures

The present research focused on the behavior of arc sprayed zinc and zinc-aluminum coatings on concrete specimens exposed to specific relative humidity environments (100, 85, 60 and 25% RH) and with specific chloride contents (0.0, 3.0, 5.9 and 11.8 kg/m^3). All specimens experienced a decline in current output with time. Anode wastage and formation of oxidation products were mainly responsible for this lack of protection in 100 and 85% RH, whereas for 60 and 25% RH, drying of the concrete and long-term polarization of the anode were the key factors. Validity of the DC measurements was verified with slope parameter analysis on selected specimens. In addition, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was performed on the galvanic anode and an equivalent circuit model was obtained for the zinc-concrete interface.