Electrodeposited Minerals in Marine Structures

A method of obtaining mineral deposits through the electrolysis of seawater was examined for potential use as an agent for the structural enhancement of existing marine structures, and as a process for the preparation of a primary marine construction material. An electrolytic cell was established between graphite anodes and cathodic test specimens submerged in seawater using an external power supply. After several months of electrodeposition calcareous mineral deposits were obtained on both wood and wire-mesh test specimen using this electrolytic process. Structural testing of the wire-mesh specimens indicated that the mineral deposits increased the strength of the specimens to a limited degree. The long time period required for significant mineral deposition and the typically nonuniform distribution of deposited minerals on the cathodic specimens were found to be the most constraining factors of the electrodeposition process. However, because of the low power requirements of the process, its applicatiion in some instances could be justified.