SSINA: Stainless Steel: Corrosion Page 1 of 2

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CORROSION: GALVANIC CORROSION
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When two different metals are immersed in a corrosive solution, each will develop a
Stainless Steel Directory corrosion potential. If the corrosion potential of the two metals is significantly
different, and they are in direct contact and immersed in an electrolyte, the more
Stainless Steel Overview noble metal will become the cathode and the more active metal will become the
anode. A measurable current may flow between the anode and the cathode. The
Composition/Properties corrosion rate of the anode will be increased and the cathode decreased. The
increased corrosion of the anode is called "galvanic corrosion".
Information Handbooks
Finishes Requirements for Galvanic Corrosion:
Corrosion
In order for galvanic corrosion to occur, three elements are required.
Fabrication
Structural Design 1) Dissimilar metals
2) Metal-to-metal contact
Fasteners 3) Metals in the same conduction solution (usually called an electrolyte)

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If any of these elements is missing, galvanic corrosion cannot occur. If, for example,
Sustainability the direct contact between the two metals is prevented (plastic washer, paint film
etc.) there cannot be galvanic corrosion.
Training/Certification
Technical Assistance The greater the corrosion potential of each metal (the more active or more noble)
the greater the potential for corrosion. The "galvanic series in seawater" lists the
Conferences common metals in order from the most anodic to most cathodic (noble):
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Anodic
Magnesium
Zinc
Contact Us Galvanized Steel
Aluminum
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Mild Steel
Low Alloy Steel
Cast Iron
Lead
Tin
Muntz Metal
Yellow Brass
Aluminum Bronze
Red Brass
Copper
Alloy 400
Stainless Steel (430)
Stainless Steel (304)
Stainless Steel (316)
Silver
Gold

Cathodic

The greater the separation between the two metals listed, the greater the corrosion
potential. For example, if zinc (think galvanized steel) which is an active material
and near the top of the list and stainless steel, a noble metal and near the bottom of
the list were in direct contact and in the presence of an electrolyte (water), galvanic
corrosion will probably occur.

In addition to the three elements sighted above, the relative area of each of the
exposed metal surfaces is also a consideration (see Figure below). If the area of the
cathode (noble metal) is very large, and the anode (active metal) is very small, the
current produced is likely to be very high and the anode will corrode quickly. For

http://www.ssina.com/corrosion/galvanic.html 11/29/2011
SSINA: Stainless Steel: Corrosion Page 2 of 2

current produced is likely to be very high and the anode will corrode quickly. For
example, if there is a window frame made of stainless steel and it is attached with
carbon steel screws, the screws will probably corrode. If the area of the cathode
(noble metal) is very small, and the anode (active metal) is very large, the current
produced will be very low and the anode will corrode very slowly, if at all. If the
window frame is made of carbon steel and it is attached with stainless steel screws
there will be very little, if any, corrosion.

Dissimilar metal combinations should be avoided in areas where moisture is likely to

accumulate and remain for long periods. In well drained exterior applications,
dissimilar metals can be used together if favorable surface ratios exist, but the best
solution is to electrically insulate one from the other. When painted carbon steel and
stainless steel are welded together, the welded joint should be painted. Stainless
steel fasteners with neoprene or other inert washers are regularly used with other
metals.

For technical help, go to the SSINA KnowledgeBase and the Nickel Development
Institute at www.nidi.org Stainless Steels in Architecture, Building and
Construction "Guidelines for Corrosion Prevention."

http://www.ssina.com/corrosion/galvanic.html 11/29/2011