The Influence of Ternary Alloying Additions on the Galvanic Behavior of Aluminum-Tin Alloys

Abstract

The effect of a series of ternary alloying additions on the galvanic behavior of Al‐Sn base alloys has been investigated. A group of soluble ternary elements including Bi, Zr, Mg, and Ag expands the aluminum lattice, stabilizes the Al‐Sn solid solution and either maintains or enhances the high galvanic currents observed in an aluminum alloy‐steel couple in sodium chloride solution. A group of soluble ternary elements including Si, Zn, Cu, and Mn contracts the aluminum lattice, rejects tin from solid solution, and markedly decreases the galvanic current. A group of comparatively insoluble ternary alloying additions including Co, Ni, Fe, and As has little effect on galvanic current but reduces the anodic efficiency of the Al‐Sn base alloy anodes.