Sacrificial metal

Definition

A sacrificial metal is a more easily oxidized metal connected to the protected metal so it corrodes preferentially.

By redirecting the reaction, the sacrificial metal becomes the anode and gives up its electrons instead of the structure being protected. This applies the Law of Flow deliberately, exploiting the difference in reduction potential. It is one of the main corrosion control strategies.

Related concepts

The Law of Flow · Anode · Corrosion control levers

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧱 materials