Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

July, 2005

Electrogalvanic Corrosion Between Steel and Aluminum

Q. Do see any problems to use Aluminum Angles and plates for connections with carbon steel? Also, do you advise to use these type connection?

A. It is not usually advisable to place aluminum and carbon steel in direct contact with each other, unless the final product will be exposed in dry environments. You might consider insulating the mating surfaces either by placing a dielectric between them, or priming the aluminum and/or steel with a corrosion resistant paint. If you connect the two surfaces with rivets or bolts, you should also insulate the dissimilar metals so that they do not come into contact with each other.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph