Alloy specifications shouldn’t just be a technical detail – they’re the foundation of effective corrosion protection.
Whether you’re protecting a weekend pleasurecraft or an entire commercial fleet, only the right alloy composition can ensure your anode performs the way it’s supposed to—sacrificing itself to protect your boat’s most vulnerable components.
At Martyr, our aluminum, zinc, and magnesium anodes are precision-cast to meet U.S. Military Specifications and manufactured using an ISO quality framework process, delivering proven, consistent protection in any water type.
The result? Fewer replacements, lower maintenance costs, and confidence that your vessel is protected below the waterline.
Comparison: Martyr Traditional (Zn) vs. Martyr Premium (Al) Anodes
| Specification | Martyr Traditional (Zinc) | Martyr Premium (Aluminum) |
|---|---|---|
| Ampere-Hours per Pound | 355 | 1225 |
| Energy Output | 1 lb of zinc provides 1 amp for 355 hours | 1 lb of aluminum provides 1 amp for 1225 hours |
| Example Anode Used | Z3 (4.68 kg) | AZ3 (2.7 kg) |
| Total Ampere-Hours | 3,656 | 6,125 |
| Estimated Lifespan at 0.5 Amps | 7,312 hours (≈ 304 days / 10 months) | 12,250 hours (≈ 510 days / 16.5 months) |
Key Takeaways:
✔ Aluminum anodes outlast zinc, needing fewer replacements
✔ 3.5x more efficient than zinc per pound
✔ Lighter, easier to handle, and cheaper to transport
Performance Comparison: Martyr Traditional (Zn) vs. Martyr Premium (Al) Anodes
| Specification | Martyr Zinc Traditional | Martyr Aluminum Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Ampere-Hours per Pound) | 355 | 1225 |
| Efficiency (Tested Performance) | 95% | 94% |
| Consumption (Pounds per Amp-Year) | 24.5 lbs | 7.6 lbs |
| Potential (Reference Cu/CuSO₄) | -1050mV | -1100mV |
Key Takeaways:
✔ Aluminum offers 3x more capacity per pound than zinc
✔ Lower consumption means fewer replacements and longer protection
✔ Aluminum delivers more ampere-hours per unit weight
✔ Aluminum’s higher potential enhances protection in specific conditions
Composition Comparison: Martyr Zn, Al, and Mg Anodes
| Composition (%) | Martyr Zinc Traditional (MIL-DTL-18001KL) | Martyr Aluminum Premium (MIL-DTL-24779C) | Martyr Magnesium Fresh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.1% – 0.5% | Remainder | 8.3 – 9.7% |
| Zinc (Zn) | Remainder | 4.0% – 6.5% | 0.35 – 1.0% |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 0.025% – 0.07% | – | – |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.005% Max. | 0.005% Max. | 0.030% Max. |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.005% Max. | 0.080% Max. | 0.005% Max. |
| Indium (In) | – | 0.015% – 0.020% | – |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.006% Max. | – | – |
| Mercury (Hg) | – | 0.001% Max. | – |
| Manganese (Mn) | – | – | 0.15 – 0.50% |
| Nickel (Ni) | – | – | 0.002% Max. |
| Silicon (Si) | – | 0.08% Max. | 0.10% Max. |
| Tin (Sn) | – | 0.001% Max. | – |
| Total Others | 0.10% Max. (0.020% each) | – | 0.02% Max. Total |
| Magnesium (Mg) | – | – | Remainder |
Key Takeaways: Magnesium Anodes Are Best for Fresh Water
✔ Highest driving voltage of all anode types for maximum effectiveness in fresh water, even in low-conductivity environments
✔ Not suitable for saltwater, as they corrode too quickly in it
The Bottom Line
Choosing the Right Alloy Saves Time and Money
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Reduce maintenance needs, minimize costly repairs, and prolong the lifespan of metal components
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Choose premium Aluminum and Freshwater Magnesium anodes — top performance with no added cadmium for an eco-friendly choice
Aluminum Anodes Offer Superior Longevity
- More protection per pound compared to zinc
- Longer-lasting anodes, reducing replacement frequency
- Maintain efficiency better than zinc in salt and brackish water
Whether you’re in salt, fresh, or brackish water, our anodes guarantee:
Maximum corrosion resistance
Superior performance ensures that your boat stays protected for longer, with fewer replacements and less maintenance.
High efficiency
Our anodes are formulated to provide maximum electrochemical protection, extending the life of your vessel’s metal components.
Proven durability
Designed for long-term durability, our products ensure continuous corrosion protection even in the most demanding conditions.
About Martyr Anodes
Martyr Anodes provides high-quality corrosion protection that exceed U.S. Military Specifications. We offer zinc, aluminum, and magnesium anodes, with a focus on aluminum as a sustainable alternative, ensuring superior corrosion resistance while protecting marine ecosystems.
Martyr Anodes is part of the CMP Group of Brands.
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