Corrosion behavior of the joints of carbon fiber reinforced polymers with DP590 steel and Al6022 alloy

Purpose This study aims to propose a simple experimental method to distinguish the galvanic corrosion, crevice corrosion and self-corrosion in metal/carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) joints. Design/methodology/approach The corrosion behaviors of four different galvanic couples, whose anodes were Zn-coated DP590 steel and Al 6022, and cathodes were two kinds of CFRP, were investigated in immersion and GMW14872 cyclic conditions. Findings The results showed that the galvanic corrosion caused by direct contact between CFRP and metals was more serious than that caused by the jointing bolts. The corrosion damage caused by crevice corrosion was severer than that caused by galvanic corrosion. Self-corrosion was also significant, particularly under the cyclic salt spray condition. Originality/value A deeper understanding of different corrosion mechanisms involved in CFRP/metal joints under different service conditions in industry has been given.