Zinc-Plated Brass

[mrfailure]

I wanted your thoughts: I have a galvanic coupling between a leaded brass component and aluminum foil that wrapped around a polymer jacket. The coupling may see moisture on occasion and prevention of galvanic corrosion of the aluminum has been specified. For practical reasons, the aluminum cannot be coated. I was wondering whether it is practical to zinc-plate the brass component, the idea being the zinc would be sacrificial and would be sufficient for the light moisture conditions.

Any thoughts on this idea? Thanks in advance!

 

[cloa]

It at the very least needs metal-metal contact- this doesn't sound there is- plastic jacket. Moisture is a not an decent electrical path only a decent ionic pathway so you can't get galvanic corrosion. And even if there metal/metal contact, you need to have the relative areas of the two metals to have an idea of whether there will be corrosion.

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[mrfailure]

There is metal-to-metal contact - the aluminum is over (not under) the jacket and directly contacts the brass fitting. Yes, galvanic corrosion happens when water enters the system - take this as fact. Is the concept of zinc plating the brass feasible, and do you think it would work?

 

[TVP]

There are different zinc plating solutions: zincate solutions are typically used for depositing zinc on non-ferrous metals like aluminum. Unfortunately I do not have ASM HANDBOOK Volume 5 at home right now, but you might investigate this option.

 

[swall]

IVD aluminum might be an option. More expensive than zinc plating, though.