Improvement in graphite reference cell for reinforced concrete

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the feasibility of developing an improved, more reproducible, reversible and highly voltage invariant reference half-cell for monitoring and controlling cathodic protection systems on pre-stressed concrete structures. The performance of various standard and experimental modified graphite electrodes was compared to the best commercially available and other recently developed embeddable reference cells in salt contaminated concrete under severe cyclic temperature conditions. It was found that selected modifications of base graphite can produce a stable and reproducible reference electrode which is simple to manufacture, rugged to handle and cost effective. The performance of modified graphite electrodes approached that of the best commercial reference electrodes currently on the market. This was the first attempt at modifying graphite for use as an embedded reference electrode and optimization of materials and modification procedures is presently ongoing.