MMO Cathodic Protection Anode Mesh for Long-Term Concrete Durability

In corrosive environments such as marine, coastal, and high-humidity areas, reinforced concrete structures are susceptible to rebar corrosion, which significantly compromises their durability and safety. MMO cathodic protection anode mesh, as a core component of impressed current cathodic protection systems, is widely used in critical infrastructure projects like bridges, docks, and tunnels due to its excellent electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance.

Sacrificial Anode Method

Principle: Metals with a more negative electrochemical potential than steel reinforcement (e.g., zinc, aluminum) are installed as anodes on the protected structure, forming a galvanic cell that forces the rebar to act as a cathode, thereby preventing corrosion.
Features: Low initial investment and simple installation, but a shorter lifespan of typically 5 to 10 years, requiring periodic anode replacement.

Impressed Current Method

Principle: An external power supply provides direct current to auxiliary anodes installed on the protected structure, polarizing the steel reinforcement as a cathode and achieving corrosion protection.
Features: Higher initial investment and more complex installation, extended lifespan typically of 20 years. For critical infrastructure projects like sea bridges, the impressed current method is typically employed for cathodic protection.

Key Material—MMO-Coated Titanium Anode

Mixed Metal Oxide (MMO)-coated titanium anodes are currently the most successful auxiliary anode material for the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures. They exhibit excellent corrosion resistance and can operate stably at high current densities over extended periods. Even when the substrate is exposed, it maintains passivity through self-healing. MMO-coated titanium anodes are manufactured using an industrial pure titanium substrate coated with noble metal oxides such as iridium-tantalum or ruthenium-iridium. They are available in various customizable specifications and are suitable for cathodic protection projects in diverse harsh environments.

The cathodic MMO protection anode mesh is a typical structural form of the MMO-coated titanium anode, specifically designed for cathodic protection in concrete structures, and is particularly suitable for large-area layouts and high-corrosion-risk areas.

MMO Cathodic Protection Anode Mesh

Specifications

Width: 10-25mm
Thickness: 0.6mm
Length: 76 m
Mesh Size: 2.5 × 4.6mm
Current Output: 1.32-3.20 mA/m
Lifespan: 30-100 years

Table 1: MMO Cathodic Protection Anode Mesh
Number	Width (mm)	Thickness (mm)	Length (m)	Mesh Size (mm)	Current Output (mA/m)	Lifespan (Years)
Mesh-1	10	0.6	76	2.5 × 4.6	1.32	30-100
Mesh-2	13	0.6	76	2.5 × 4.6	1.65	30-100
Mesh-3	19	0.6	76	2.5 × 4.6	2.42	30-100
Mesh-4	25	0.6	76	2.5 × 4.6	3.20	30-100

Standard

Table 2: Chemical Composition Standards for Titanium Substrates
Chemical Composition	Iron (Fe)	Carbon (C)	Nitrogen (N)	Hydrogen (H)	Oxygen (O)	Titanium (Ti)	Others
Maximum Content	0.002	0.0008	0.0003	0.0002	0.0018	Balance	0.004

Table 3: Standard for Testing Coating Lifespan Enhancement
System	Medium	Current Density (A/m³)	Temperature (°C)
Iridium-Tantalum	1 mol/L Na₂SO₄	20000	40 ± 5

Gallery

A strip of black MMO cathodic protection anode mesh

Scattered Mesh Pieces

MMO cathodic protection anode mesh secured with cable ties

Secured Mesh

Measure the thickness of the MMO cathodic protection anode mesh with a micrometer.

Thickness Measurement