Development of sacrificial anode from Al, Mg, and Ti from iron Ore tailings

Abstract

This investigation used aluminium, magnesium, iron ore tailings, and low-carbon steel. Iron ore tailings (5–30 wt% Mg and 50 μm in size) in an aluminium matrix formed the anode. In 0.5 M NaCl solution, the weight loss, corrosion rate, and electrochemical properties were measured. Samples A to E have corrosion rates of 0.43, 0.28, 0.36, 0.08, and 0.11 mm/yr, respectively. SEM/EDS examination revealed the presence of elemental Al, Mg, O, and Si in the anode. The XRD patterns indicate intermetallic compounds such as iron nitride (Fe3N), aluminium silver (Ag-Al), and manganese zirconium (Mn2Zr). In samples A, B, and C, Al and Mg formed a protective coating on the anode, while C and Si reduced passivation and released electrons to protect the steel. IOTs and Mg in the aluminium matrix improve the anodic corrosion resistance. The observed improvements in corrosion resistance highlight the potential of these sacrificial anodes for practical applications in corrosion protection systems.