Effects of Graphite-Epoxy Composite Materials on the Corrosion Behavior of Aircraft Alloys.

Abstract

The electrochemical approach was used to show the nature of the galvanic corrosion when graphite-epoxy composite materials are coupled to aluminum and titanium alloys. An open circuit potential difference of one volt was obtained in 3.5% NaCl solution between the composite and 7075-T6, 7075-T651 and 5052-H38 alloys. This potential difference provides a driving force for corrosion and is cause for concern. The Ti-6-4 showed a difference of about 0.3 volt for the unpolished as received material. Corrosion current data (zero impedance technique) indicate that aluminum alloys and cadmium plate are much more reactive than Ti-6-4 when coupled to graphite-epoxy. This technique provides a means of ranking the severity of this corrosion problem for various aircraft alloys. Flatwise tensile data indicate significant strength losses when graphite-epoxy composite sandwich specimens are exposed to ASTM 5% salt spray and synthetic sea water + SO2 spray environments.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 03, 1975
Accession Number
ADA010127

Entities

People

  • J. De Luccia
  • P. Fischer

Organizations

  • Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alloys
  • Aluminum
  • Aluminum Alloys
  • Composite Materials
  • Corrosion
  • Epoxy Composites
  • Galvanic Corrosion
  • Graphite Epoxy Composites
  • Graphitic Materials
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Sea Water
  • Titanium
  • Titanium Alloys

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.