Galvanic Corrosion Testing

Element offers galvanic corrosion testing to ASTM G71, ASTM G82 and to client-specific standards for evaluating the behavior of metals and metallic coatings in accelerated corrosion environments. We can help you select appropriate materials at the design stage, and we offer in-field support for fast answers in live applications.

What is Galvanic Corrosion Testing at Element?

Galvanic corrosion is a natural electrochemical process that occurs when two different metals come into contact with an electrolyte, such as sea water. Galvanic corrosion testing is essential to assess the potential risk of damage to metal structures and equipment. By understanding the galvanic corrosion potential of different metal combinations, you can take preventive measures to mitigate or eliminate the risk of corrosion, ensuring the longevity and safety of materials.

At Element, we evaluate the behavior of metals and metallic coatings in accelerated corrosion environments, helping you understand compatibility issues and select appropriate materials at the design stage, with ongoing support for live applications.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For Galvanic Corrosion Testing?

Key tests offered

Our leading corrosion testing laboratories carry out galvanic corrosion testing on combinations of metals and metallic coatings to evaluate the damage due to galvanic corrosion. We also identify potential compatibility issues before they cause costly failures.

We support you with:

Material selection guidance for specific environments
Compatibility assessment of multiple metal combinations
Development of corrosion protection strategies
Replication of specific operating environments
In-field support for live applications

Materials and components we test

We test a comprehensive range of metals and metallic coatings to evaluate their galvanic corrosion potential, including:

Galvanized steel and stainless steel components

Copper, bronze, and copper-nickel alloys

Aluminum and aluminum/zinc coatings

Tin/zinc alloy coatings over different base metals

Welds for preferential corrosion assessment

Methods and solutions offered

We customize our testing methods to replicate your material's condition, environment, and geometry as closely as possible to the application, simulating galvanic corrosion scenarios in environments of interest.

We test to a variety of standards such as ASTM G71 and ASTM G82 to assess the interaction between different metals and coatings. This data enables you to identify and mitigate potential corrosion issues quickly, minimizing the need for reactive maintenance and costly repairs.

You can also add electrochemical corrosion testing analysis to your testing program. Element experts evaluate galvanic corrosion performance of two or more dissimilar metals when electrically connected in a selected environment using three main test categories:

Sensitive galvanic current measurement using Zero Resistance Ammetry (ZRA)

Galvanic series determination

Preferential weld corrosion

Expert support throughout your project
Partner with our global corrosion specialists like Phil Dent for expert guidance on galvanic corrosion challenges throughout your product lifecycle. Our team delivers fast answers to inform your design and engineering processes and live application concerns.

Which labs offer this service

Our team operates from materials testing labs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest lab on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

ASTM G82 - Guide for Development and Use of a Galvanic Series for Predicting Galvanic Corrosion Performance
ASTM G71 - Practice for Conducting and Evaluating Galvanic Corrosion Tests in Electrolytes
Client-specific standards

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Material compatibility made certain

Struggling to select the right metal combinations for your application? Our comprehensive testing evaluates how different metals interact in specific environments, providing data-driven insights that help you select compatible materials during the design phase to prevent costly failures.

Regulatory compliance simplified

Meeting industry standards and compliance regulations can be challenging. Our galvanic corrosion testing according to ASTM G71, ASTM G82, and client-specific standards provides the documentation you need to demonstrate compliance while ensuring your products perform reliably.

Corrosion protection costs optimized

Unexpected corrosion failures lead to costly repairs and maintenance. Our testing delivers crucial data on how different metal combinations behave in specific environments, helping you develop more efficient and cost-effective protection strategies that extend product lifespan.

Real-world performance verified

Understanding how materials will perform in actual operating conditions is critical. We replicate your material's condition, environment, and geometry as closely as possible to the application, giving you confidence in how your products will perform in the field.

Element Experts at your service

Phil Dent

Principal Engineer, Corrosion

View all experts

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Comprehensive testing capabilities

Our extensive range of tests for various metal combinations delivers complete insights into galvanic corrosion potential under specific operating conditions.