Magnesium alloy anode as a smart corrosivity detector and intelligent sacrificial anode protector for reinforced concrete

Abstract

Abstract Corrosivity of simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS) contaminated by chloride was automatically detected and corrosion of steel in SCPS was intelligently prevented by magnesium (Mg) alloy. Results indicated that Mg could act as effective sacrificial anode to cathodically protect steel from corrosion attack once the SCPS was polluted by chlorides. Al alloying could enhance the sensitivity of Mg anode to chloride contamination and further improve its cathodic protection effect, and thus enhanced its intelligence level as corrosivity detector and corrosion protector. The automatic corrosivity detection and intelligent cathodic protection of Mg and AZ91 for steel were also validated in concrete.