Galvanic Corrosion ' is a damage that occurs when 2 different types of metals are

connected in a degrading environment or ' corrosive environment '.

Also referred to as ' Bimetallic Corrosion ' or ' Dissimilar Metal Corrosion '.
More specifically refers to 2 different types of metal connecting in 'corrosive
electrolyte'.
Electrolyte is an ingredient that experiences 'ionization' when dissolved in water
where this electrolyte causes reactions between 2 different metals.
When these 2 different metals continue or are referred to as ' galvanic couple ',
one of the metals will become ' anode ' and another metal becomes ' cathode '.
' Anode ' will experience the process of kakisan or ' corrosion ' faster while '
cathode ' will experience the process of slower.
The worst broken part is on the connection part 2 different metals.
Let's understand the mechanism of this ' Galvanic Corrosion ' is happening...
Different metals and alloys have different ' electrochemical potential ' or '
corrosion potential ' in the same ' electrolyte '.
When the ' electrochemical potential ' for various types of metal and alloys are
measured in the same ' electrolyte ' example as sea water, and organized in
schedule form, it forms the ' Galvanic Series '.
The 'Galvanic series' lineup is as below...
Magnesium
Zinc
Aluminum
Steel
Lead
Tin
Nickel
Brass
Bronzes
Copper
Stainless Steel (passive)
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Metals like Gold and Platinum are more ' cathodic ' or called ' more noble ', so
more resistant to kakisan.
Metals such as Magnesium, Zinc and Aluminum are more ' anodic ' or ' less noble '
become more vulnerable to kakisan.
The further the difference between metal in the ' Galvanic Series ', the higher the
risk of happening ' Galvanic Corrosion ' when 2 metals are connected in an erasing
environment.
' Potential Different ' or ' Voltage ' between 2 different metals is the drive to '
anode ' damage or active metal.
The current flows through ' electrolyte ' toward the metal ' cathode ' and the
metal ' anode ' metal is eroded.
Conductivity electrolyte also affects the ' anode ' metal ' process.
Among the ways to avoid 'Galvanic Corrosion' is...
- choosing metals that are close to each other in the 'Galvanic Series'
- 'insulate' 2 different metal to decide electrical extension
- 'coating' on both metals
- putting 'spacer' between 2 metals
- adding 'corrosion inhibitor'
There is also an industry that uses 'Galvanic Corrosion' to extend the life of
certain assets. This technique is called 'Cathodic Protection'.
Inshaallah next time I will share about 'Cathodic Protection' also.
Nazmi Ismail - Engineer, Teaching, Author
Reference:
Website NACE - Galvanic Corrosion
Website Corrosion Clinic - Galvanic Corrosion, Bimetallic Corrosion or Dissimilar
Metal Corrosion: Causes and Prevention