The materials used for sacrificial anodes are either relatively pure active metals, such as zinc or MAGNESIUM, or are magnesium or aluminum alloys that have been specifically developed for use as sacrificial anodes. In applications where the anodes are buried, a special backfill material SURROUNDS the anode in order to insure that the anode will PRODUCE the desired output.

Since the sacrificial anode works by introducing another metal surface with a more negative electronegative and much more anodic surface. The current will flow from the newly introduced anode and the protected metal becomes CATHODIC creating a galvanic cell. The oxidation reactions are TRANSFERRED from the metal surface to the galvanic anode and will be sacrificed in favor of the protected metal structure.

The materials used for sacrificial anodes are either relatively pure active metals, such as zinc or magnesium, or are magnesium or aluminum alloys that have been specifically developed for use as sacrificial anodes. In applications where the anodes are buried, a special backfill material surrounds the anode in order to insure that the anode will produce the desired output.

Since the sacrificial anode works by introducing another metal surface with a more negative electronegative and much more anodic surface. The current will flow from the newly introduced anode and the protected metal becomes cathodic creating a galvanic cell. The oxidation reactions are transferred from the metal surface to the galvanic anode and will be sacrificed in favor of the protected metal structure.