Abstract
The galvanic corrosion induced by graphite/epoxy composite materials (GECMs) on coupled metallic materials (ferrous and non-ferrous) in neutral, air saturated aqueous 3·5%NaCl solutions has been investigated. Two types of composite, manufactured by Fiberite and Ciba Geigy, were used, electrically coupled to the aluminium alloys 2024–T3, 7075–T6, 7075–T73, and 5052 and the stainless steels 301 1/2 H, 302 1/4 H, 321, 15–5–PH, and 17–7–PH. Galvanic currents were measured using a zero resistance ammeter for different values of cathodic/anodic area ratio in 24 h tests. The galvanic current was independent of anodic area and directly proportional to the cathodic area for, the aluminium alloys, while a dependence on both anodic and cathodic areas was found for the stainless steels investigated. These results are. in good agreement with theoretical computation based on mixed potential theory.
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