galvanic corrosion
Metal-to-metal decay
Galvanic corrosion is the accelerated deterioration of a metal when it contacts a different metal in the presence of an electrolyte like saltwater.
The less noble metal corrodes faster than it would alone, sacrificing itself to protect the other.
Engineers prevent it by isolating dissimilar metals or using sacrificial anodes: The aluminum hull showed galvanic corrosion where the steel bracket was mounted.
- electrolysisCurrent-induced ionic separation
- sacrificial anodeCorroding metal protecting another
- bimetallicHaving two metals
- electrical contactConductive junction point
- redox reactionPaired electron transfer process
marine · salt water · hull damage · stainless steel · noble metals · aluminum alloys · copper alloys · galvanizing · ferrous metals · pitting · degradation · metal fatigue · electrochemical · current · steel · copper · tarnish · electron flow
- Deteriorationdecay, rot, degradation, deterioration, rotting
- plumbing problemsleak, leaks, clog, clogs, burst pipe
- corrosionrust, rusting, iron oxide, oxidation, pitting
- marine corrosionbiofouling, barnacles, antifouling, sacrificial anodes, pitting
- vehicle damagecollision, crack, dent, fracture, hole
galvanic corrosiongalvanization
Protective metal coating process
electroplating · anodizing · corrosion resistance · protective coating · rust prevention