Zinc hull anode

A zinc anode is a type of sacrificial anode used to prevent corrosion through cathodic protection. It is also widely known as a Sacrificial anode, with the other Sacrificial anodes being made from primarily aluminum or magnesium.

A zinc anode’s protective properties result from a strongly negative reduction potential, which is more negative than the metal it is protecting. Oxidants, which corrode metals, will oxidize the zinc anode rather than the protected metal structure, thus preventing the structure from being corroded.

As zinc anodes are recommended for salt water applications, the most common usage is found in marine applications such as on boat hulls, tanks, rudders and piers. They are also commonly used for underground tanks and piping.