Aluminum lifeboats are susceptible to which form of corrosion when iron or steel tools are left nearby?

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Multiple Choice

Aluminum lifeboats are susceptible to which form of corrosion when iron or steel tools are left nearby?

When two dissimilar metals sit in an electrolyte, they form a galvanic couple and a current can flow between them. Aluminum is more anodic than iron or steel, so in the presence of moisture or seawater the aluminum will oxidize and corrode while the steel acts as the cathode. This transfer of electrons through the conductive electrolyte is electrolytic corrosion. So leaving iron or steel tools near an aluminum lifeboat creates the conditions for electrolytic corrosion, accelerating aluminum loss. To prevent it, keep dissimilar metals separated and dry, using insulating barriers or coatings where possible.

When two dissimilar metals sit in an electrolyte, they form a galvanic couple and a current can flow between them. Aluminum is more anodic than iron or steel, so in the presence of moisture or seawater the aluminum will oxidize and corrode while the steel acts as the cathode. This transfer of electrons through the conductive electrolyte is electrolytic corrosion. So leaving iron or steel tools near an aluminum lifeboat creates the conditions for electrolytic corrosion, accelerating aluminum loss. To prevent it, keep dissimilar metals separated and dry, using insulating barriers or coatings where possible.

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