Which type of anode is not designed to be used with steel structures?

Which type of anode is not designed to be used with steel structures?

• A. Aluminum
• B. Magnesium
• C. Chromium
• D. Zinc

Answer: (C)

The correct choice indicates that chromium is not designed to be used with steel structures for cathodic protection. While aluminum, magnesium, and zinc are all materials commonly used for sacrificial anodes in cathodic protection systems, chromium does not serve this purpose effectively. In cathodic protection practices, sacrificial anodes function by corroding preferentially to the steel structure they are meant to protect. This is achieved through galvanic action, where a more anodic metal (like magnesium, aluminum, or zinc) corrodes in place of the steel, thus preventing rust and deterioration of the protected metal. Chromium, however, is more commonly noted for its use in creating protective alloys and coatings, particularly in stainless steel, rather than as a sacrificial anode. Chrome's high resistance to corrosion and passivation properties make it unsuitable for the role of an anode in cathodic protection systems. Instead of sacrificing itself, chromium would resist corrosion, thereby not providing the intended protection for steel components.

The correct choice indicates that chromium is not designed to be used with steel structures for cathodic protection. While aluminum, magnesium, and zinc are all materials commonly used for sacrificial anodes in cathodic protection systems, chromium does not serve this purpose effectively.

In cathodic protection practices, sacrificial anodes function by corroding preferentially to the steel structure they are meant to protect. This is achieved through galvanic action, where a more anodic metal (like magnesium, aluminum, or zinc) corrodes in place of the steel, thus preventing rust and deterioration of the protected metal.

Chromium, however, is more commonly noted for its use in creating protective alloys and coatings, particularly in stainless steel, rather than as a sacrificial anode. Chrome's high resistance to corrosion and passivation properties make it unsuitable for the role of an anode in cathodic protection systems. Instead of sacrificing itself, chromium would resist corrosion, thereby not providing the intended protection for steel components.