Coatings

Galvanic/Dissimilar Metal Corrosion

Galvanic corrosion is the additional corrosion that occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte.

21 December 2020

Galvanic corrosion is the additional corrosion that occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte. The corrosion of a metal, the anode, results from the positive current flowing from the anode to the less reactive (more noble) metal, the cathode, through the electrolyte. Contact between dissimilar metals occurs frequently but is often not a problem. This article identifies what causes galvanic corrosion and how to avoid it. This article summarises material from the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association and the use of this material is gratefully acknowledged.

CTG1007.pdf

Kevin Cowie