Would you like to carry out a galvanic coupling test
What is galvanic coupling?
Le couplage galvanique désigne un phénomène électrochimique qui se produit lorsque deux métaux ou alliages, de nature différente, sont en contact électrique dans un même électrolyte.
Cela peut entraîner une corrosion accélérée de l’un des deux matériaux, appelé l’anode galvanique.
En laboratoire, l’essai de couplage galvanique permet de quantifier ce risque et d’anticiper les comportements corrosifs dans des conditions maîtrisées et reproductibles.
La caractérisation électrochimique et l’essai de couplage galvanique peuvent s’appliquer à de nombreux secteurs industriels, de l’aéronautique à la cosmétique, en passant par l’énergie, le BTP et les dispositifs médicaux.
Why carry out a galvanic coupling test?
Identify material incompatibilities in multi-metal assemblies
Validate material choices before production launch
Study the behavior of systems in aggressive environments (marine, acidic, chloride-rich environments, etc.)
Optimize the service life of a device or protective coating
Understand corrosion phenomena observed in service
The FILAB laboratory supports you in the galvanic coupling testing of your materials
Why choose FILAB for a galvanic coupling test
FILAB, a laboratory made up of experts in metallurgy and steelmaking analysis, provides its knowledge and expertise to carry out your galvanic coupling tests and the electrochemical characterization of your metal parts.
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
A galvanic coupling test involves bringing two different materials into electrical contact, immersed in the same electrolyte, in order to observe and measure the resulting galvanic corrosion phenomena.
The measured current reflects the intensity of galvanic corrosion. The more anodic material corrodes in favor of the more noble (cathodic) one. This makes it possible to identify the material at risk, quantify the severity of the coupling, and propose solutions.
This technique makes it possible to assess the performance of anti-corrosion coatings and the resistance of aerospace alloys in acidic environments, by providing reliable data on long-term degradation mechanisms.
Common applications for a galvanic coupling test
our electrochemical analysis services
Open-circuit potential (OCV) measurement to assess the spontaneous electrochemical behavior of a metal in a given medium (water)
Galvanic coupling study to analyze the interactions between two metallic materials and identify the risks of differential corrosion (e.g., zinc vs. steel)
Characterization of protective properties: barrier properties, porosity, water permeability, delamination, filiform corrosion…
Impedance measurement to analyze the properties of interfaces between a material and its electrochemical environment
Corrosion rate determination (LSV) to determine the corrosion rate (mm/year) in various environments (salt water, pure water, presence of inhibitors)
Corrosion potential measurement (polarization curves) using Potensiostat
Development of specific electrochemical tests (cathodic delamination, ACET, edge corrosion...)
FAQ
Open-circuit potential measurement is used in many sectors:
- Energy (batteries, fuel cells)
- Aerospace & automotive (alloy corrosion)
- Medical devices (biocorrosion)
- Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (packaging materials)
- Nuclear and defense (stability monitoring of sensitive materials)
Unlike techniques such as linear polarization or EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), OCV does not stress the system. It is a passive measurement, often used as a preliminary step or as a reference indicator.
Several parameters must be controlled:
- Electrolyte composition
- Temperature
- Sample surface preparation
- Type and position of the electrodes
At the FILAB laboratory, these parameters are strictly controlled to ensure the reliability of the results.
Yes. Our experts support you beyond the measurement, with technical interpretation, customized reports, and practical recommendations tailored to your industrial challenges.
