Galvanic corrosion of A1 alloys — II. Effect of solution composition

Abstract

Galvanic corrosion of the A1 alloys 1100, 2024, 2219, 6061 and 7075 coupled to Cu, stainless steel 304L, Ti-6A1-4V, 4130 steel or zinc has been studied in 3·5% MaCl, tapwater and distilled water using electrochemical and weight loss data. In 3·5% NaCl the galvanic effect decreases in the order Cu > 4130 steel > SS304L > Ti-6A1-4V for A1 alloys coupled to one of these metals, while in tapwater and distilled water the ranking is Cu > SS304L ∼ Ti-6A1-4V > 4130 steel. Zinc, although being the anode in all galvanic couples, can sometimes accelerate corrosion rates of A1 alloys. Dissolution rates of A1 alloys coupled to a given dissimilar material are higher in 3·5% NaCl than in tapwater and distilled water where they are found to be comparable. In assessing galvanic corrosion behaviour of a given A1 alloy as a function of environment, one has to consider the effect of the dissimilar metal. The dissolution rate of A1 6061 is, for example, higher in tapwater with Cu as cathode than in 3·5% NaCl with SS304L or Ti-6A1-4V as cathode.