Everything you need to know about galvanic corrosion

If you often require marine fasteners then you’ll probably know all about the inconvenience of galvanic corrosion. This type of corrosion is most evident with marine fasteners as salt water acts as an effective electrolyte. When two different metals are submerged in salt water, an electrolytic cell is formed which later results in galvanic corrosion. In the marine industry, fasteners that corrode too quickly can present danger as well as an unnecessary expense.

We often hear many questions arising in the industry about this particular type of corrosion. What is galvanic corrosion exactly? How does it occur and what does it mean for marine fasteners that suffer it?

Here’s what you need to know about galvanic corrosion:

• Galvanic corrosion is also often referred to as “dissimilar metal corrosion”.
• When an electrolytic cell forms (with two types of metals together in salt water), one metal will corrode faster than it usually would on its own and the other will corrode slower than it usually would on its own. This is essentially the process of galvanic corrosion.
• There are 3 conditions which absolutely have to present in order for galvanic corrosion to occur. These are:

• Two metals that are electro-chemically different must be present.
• The two metals will need to be in contact, electrically.
• The two metals need to be exposed to an electrolyte.

How to choose the right fasteners and minimize the potential for galvanic corrosion

• Choose metals that are not dissimilar.
• If dissimilar metals must be used, ensure that they aren’t electrically connected by water.
• Use aluminum or stainless steel fasteners. It is a good idea to match the metal of the fastener with the metal it will fasten.

Buy top quality anti-corrosive fasteners from Marsh Fasteners

If you are looking for marine fasteners that won’t fall victim to galvanic corrosion, choose a fastener manufacturer with a stainless steel fasteners range that is specifically aimed at the marine industry.

At Marsh Fasteners we present a wide range of stainless steel nuts, stainless steel bolts, stainless steel screws and a wide variety of other stainless steel fasteners designed to withstand the corrosion issues presented by the marine industry. To learn more about our product range, contact us via email or telephone at Marsh Fasteners today.