A comparison is presented of some of the ditferences between thermal spray Zn, a consumable anode, and catalyzed thermal spray Ti, a non-consumable anode, used for impressed current cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures. The thermal spray process for both Ti and Zn is compared using the spray parameters, atomizing gases, spray rate, and cost. The thermal spray Ti and Zn coatings are compared in terms of physical properties, composition, and structure. Results of
accelerated laboratory experiments are presented and comparisons between TI and Zn are made on the effect of electrochemical aging on voltage requirements, bond strength, coating resistivity, water permeability, and anode-concrete interracial composition.
Keywords: zinc, titanium, thermal spray, cathodic protection, impressed current, catalyst, interracial chemistry, steel-reinforced concrete, bridge, bond strength, water permeability, pH, resistivity, electrochemical aging