The Galvanic Corrosion of Graphite Epoxy Composite Materials Coupled with Alloys
Abstract
A controlled laboratory study was made of the galvanic corrosion that occurs when graphite-epoxy composite material (GECM) is coupled with various alloys in neutral 3.5% aqueous NaCl at room temperature. These tests simulated GECM/alloy joints that occur in aerospace applications. Previous work has shown that GECM acts as an extremely noble metal when coupled with a limited number of alloy types such as aluminum and titanium. This study extends this research by considering more alloy types; namely, steels, stainless steels, nickel base, copper, as well as aluminum and titanium. Four types of GECM were used along with pure graphite. Twenty-three alloys were tested for compatibility with GECM. Electrochemical test methods included potential measurements and galvanic current measurements. Galvanic current was measured by the use of a potentiostat modified to operate as a zero-resistance ammeter. Weight-loss tests were also conducted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA019322
Entities
People
- Bennie A. Miller Jr.
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology