Rather than try to discuss Mr. Crosby’s paper we would prefer to just touch on some of the theoretical considerations of paint and cathodic protection and present some results of our laboratory work.
The idea that cathodic protection might be of use in protecting metallic structures was promoted approximately 125 years ago. At that time paint was not part of the picture. With the increasing cost of replacing steel structures—especially in inaccessible areas, some method of protecting them is extremely desirable. Mr. Crosby has very ably pointed out how paint and cathodic protection may be combined to protect transformers.
By the use of a paint coating on the structure, the protective current requirements can be drastically reduced. Hence economic considerations dictate that we examine organic coatings. One of the important questions is “What inherent characteristics should the paint film possess?” The work described in this discussion is intended to supply...
