--- type: "WebPage" title: "Galvanic Corrosion Study in the Laboratory" description: "Would you like to carry out a galvanic corrosion study in the laboratory What is galvanic corrosion? Galvanic corrosion (or electrochemical corrosion) is a phenomenon that occurs when at least two different metals are brought into contact in the presence..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/study-galvanic-corrosion/" tags: ["EN", "pll_685cf54c84834", "Anaïs DECAUX"] timestamp: "2026-05-12T09:12:28Z" published: "2025-06-26T07:48:10Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Galvanic Corrosion Study in the Laboratory ## Would you like to carry out a galvanic corrosion study in the laboratory ### What is galvanic corrosion? Galvanic **corrosion** (or electrochemical corrosion) is a phenomenon that occurs when **at least two different metals** are brought into contact **in the presence of an electrolyte** (such as water containing salts, acids, or bases). This creates an **electrochemical cell**, in which one metal acts as the **anode** (it corrodes) and the other as the **cathode** (it is protected). Galvanic corrosion requires three conditions to occur. First, there must be **two different metals**, such as aluminum and steel. Second, these two metals must be in **direct electrical contact**. Third, there must be an **electrolytic environment**, such as salt water, humidity, or any conductive solution. In this context, it is the **less noble metal**, that is, the one that is more electrochemically reactive, that will **degrade first**: it is the one that undergoes galvanic corrosion. ## The FILAB laboratory supports you in the galvanic corrosion study of your materials ## Why choose FILAB for a galvanic corrosion study? FILAB, a laboratory made up of experts in [metallurgy and steelmaking](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-metallurgy-steelmaking-analysis.md) analysis, provides its knowledge and expertise to carry out galvanic corrosion studies and the [electrochemical characterization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization.md) of your metal parts. ## ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES Among the electrochemical techniques used to study galvanic corrosion, the first are: - the **measurement of corrosion potential (Ecorr),** which makes it possible to determine **which metal acts as the anode or cathode** in a galvanic couple. The lower the measured potential, the more likely the material is to corrode. This method is particularly useful for **analyzing multi-material assemblies**. - **galvanic current measurements** consist of bringing two metals into contact in an electrochemical cell and measuring the **current naturally generated between them**. This makes it possible to **directly quantify the intensity of galvanic corrosion**. - the **linear polarization** technique, also called Tafel or potentiodynamic, which consists of applying a **controlled potential variation** around the equilibrium point while measuring the resulting current. This approach makes it possible to **estimate the corrosion rate** as well as the **anodic and cathodic reactions** involved. - **electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS),** a non-destructive method that measures the **resistance of a system to alternating current**. It provides detailed information on the **presence and effectiveness of protective barriers**, such as passive films or coatings applied to materials. ### Why carry out a galvanic corrosion study? galvanic corrosion study ## A galvanic corrosion study is particularly relevant for: Évaluer la [tenue à la corrosion](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/corrosion-resistance-testing.md) d’un [métal](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-metals.md) ou d’un [alliage](https://filab.fr/en/analysis-of-metallic-alloys-in-the-laboratory.md) Testing the effectiveness of an anti-corrosion coating or paint Characterizing passive films on metallic [surfaces](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization.md) Monitoring the degradation of electrolytes, [batteries](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/analysis-characterization-battery-materials.md) or sensors Studying diffusive, capacitive, or resistive behaviors in a system Ensuring the durability and reliability of materials Optimizing performance and reducing costs Encouraging innovation and compliance ### To go further ## our electrochemical analysis services [Measurement of open circuit potential (OCP)](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/free-potential-measurement-ocv.md) in order to assess the spontaneous electrochemical behavior of a metal in a given medium (water) Galvanic coupling study in order 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/impedance-measurement.md) to analyze the properties of interfaces between a material and its electrochemical environment [Determination of corrosion rate (LSV)](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/study-corrosion-speed.md) in order to determine the corrosion rate (mm/year) in various environments (salt water, pure water, presence of inhibitors) Measurement of corrosion potential (polarization curves) by [Potensiostat ](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/potensiostat-analysis.md) Development of specific electrochemical tests (cathodic delamination, ACET, edge corrosion, etc.) Discover our blog article ## How do you distinguish galvanic corrosion from pitting corrosion? [Learn more](https://filab.fr/en/blog/2026/05/galvanic-corrosion-pitting-corrosion.md) ## FAQ Why study galvanic corrosion? The study makes it possible to **anticipate the risks of premature degradation** in metal assemblies, **optimize the choice of materials** or coatings, and **validate metal pairings** in demanding environments. It is essential in sectors such as aerospace, space, medical, and energy. What types of analysis are used to study this phenomenon? A **set of complementary techniques** is generally used, including: - The **SEM-EDX** to visualize the morphology of corroded areas and map the elements. - The **XPS** to study surface oxidation states. - The **ICP-OES** to quantify elements dissolved in electrolytes. - And above all, **electrochemical tests** to measure potentials, currents, and corrosion rates. In what context can a study be carried out? The study can be carried out in different contexts: - **Field failure** (localized corrosion, leakage, breakage...) - **Validation of materials or assemblies** before industrialization - **Comparative study of coatings or surface treatments** - **R&D project** to simulate accelerated aging How can the FILAB laboratory support you? At FILAB, we offer **tailor-made support** : - Advanced surface analysis (SEM-EDX, XPS, FTIR…) - Electrochemical testing (in collaboration with our R&D team) - Interpretation of results and material/process recommendations - Ability to develop **specific protocols** according to your constraints