Guidelines for Successful Use of Marine Fasteners

The marine corrosion resistance of copper, iron, nickel, aluminum, and titanium-based alloy fasteners are reviewed. Coated-steel systems were also included. Several new alloys are characterized as candidate materials. The various forms of corrosion and several failure mechanisms affecting fasteners performance in marine applications are discussed. Of these forms of corrosion, galvanic compatibility is identified as the most critical consideration for marine fasteners. Guidelines are presented to assist designers in the selection of appropriate materials for marine fasteners.