While titanium has remarkable corrosion resistance in many environments, other factors have to be considered before this metal can be used in naval aircraft construction as a replacement for stainless steels. Among these are galvanic effects which could result from contact with dissimilar metals in marine, atmospheres. A series of laboratory tests has been performed in which various metals have been coupled to either stainless steel or titanium in normal sodium chloride. Electrode potential studies have also been made, on specimens given different surface treatments. Comparison of the data indicates that the electrochemical behavior of titanium and stainless steel is similar under the test conditions. Mechanical testing of heat treated specimens reveals that exposure to oxidizing conditions above 1000 degrees F has a deleterious effect on the ductility of titanium as well as its resistance to stress-corrosion conditions.
Effect of Titanium in Galvanic Corrosion
HENRY PAIGE—Acting head of the Surface Treatment and Corrosion Section of the Aeronautical Materials Laboratory at the Philadelphia Naval Air Material Center, he holds a master's degree in science (1949) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology received after completing a thesis titled "Nature of Passivity in Stainless Steels." His work includes studies on electroplating, metal cleaning and descaling, oxidation and corrosion prevention, stress corrosion and chemical surface treatments. He formerly worked for the Arma Corp, on problems associated with electronic components.
SARA J. KETCHAM—Metallurgist in the Surface Treatment and Corrosion Section of the Aeronautical Materials Laboratory, Naval Air Material Center, Philadelphia, she is engaged in research and development work in the field of corrosion and protective coatings for aircraft. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, she formerly was employed in the Metallurgical Division of the Industrial Test Laboratory at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
