Surface Treatment of Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites Through Diazonium Admolecule Modification A Process for Reducing Galvanic Corrosion of Mechanically Joined Aluminum Alloys
Abstract
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites and aluminum alloys are widely used as integrated structural components in military and civilian aircraft, military transport vehicles, and marine vessels. Severe galvanic corrosion can develop at locations where these dissimilar materials are joined and become electrically connected by a condensed layer of atmospheric moisture. The more noblecarbon fibers act as a cathode and support the electrochemical reduction of dissolved oxygen. The consumption of electrons in this cathodic reaction accelerates the rate of electrochemical oxidation of the nearby aluminum alloy, so-called galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion causes a metal to degrade at a higher rate than it otherwise would in the absence of a dissimilar material. Galvanic corrosion of aluminum alloy with carbon fiber materials is a serious and well-known issue. Strategies for more effectively mitigating galvanic corrosion at CFRP composite-metal alloy joints represent the unmet technological need. We believe that the aryl diazoniumsurface treatment technology that will be developed in this project will provide a means for treating exposed carbon fibers in CFRPcomposites joined with metal alloys and significantly lessen galvanic corrosion damage to the alloy. The outcomes of increasing thetechnology readiness level (TRL) will be increased cycle life, better protection against deleterious galvanic corrosion, and reduced costs for repair and maintenance. Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412180
Entities
People
- Greg Swain
Organizations
- Michigan State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy