Which component helps prevent corrosion in another material?

The component that helps prevent corrosion in another material is the sacrificial anode. This component operates on the principle of cathodic protection, which involves using a more reactive metal that will corrode preferentially when paired with a less reactive metal. The sacrificial anode is placed in contact with the material that needs protection, such as steel in underwater structures. As the sacrificial anode corrodes, it effectively protects the less reactive material from corroding by redirecting the electrochemical reactions that would otherwise attack the protective surface.

In applications such as pipelines and ship hulls, sacrificial anodes are typically made from metals like zinc or magnesium, which have a higher electrochemical potential than the material they are protecting. This reaction helps maintain the integrity and lifespan of the primary material by mitigating the impact of environmental factors that lead to corrosion.

While a barrier layer and coating agents can provide protection through physical means, they do not actively prevent corrosion through electrochemical methods. A reinforcing bar, often used in concrete structures to provide tensile strength, is not specifically designed to prevent corrosion in other materials. Therefore, the sacrificial anode is the most effective solution for actively inhibiting corrosion in a more valuable or susceptible material.