Study of galvanic corrosion and mechanical joint properties of AZ31B and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer joined by friction self-piercing riveting

A new testing methodology was developed to quantitively study galvanic corrosion of AZ31B and thermoset carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer spot-joined by a friction self-piercing riveting process. Pre-defined areas of AZ31B in the joint were exposed in 0.1 M NaCl solution over time. Massive galvanic corrosion of AZ31B was observed as exposure time increased. The measured volume loss was converted into corrosion current that was at least 48 times greater than the corrosion current of AZ31B without galvanic coupling. Ninety percent of the mechanical joint integrity was retained for corroded F-SPR joints to 200 h and then decreased because of the massive volume loss of AZ31B. (C) 2021 Chongqing University. Publishing services provided by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.

Automated summary

A new testing methodology was developed to study galvanic corrosion of AZ31B and thermoset carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. The results showed that massive galvanic corrosion of AZ31B occurred over time, with the corrosion current significantly higher than that of AZ31B without galvanic coupling. The mechanical joint integrity of the corroded joints was retained to a certain extent, but decreased due to the massive volume loss of AZ31B.