Abstract: The electrochemical approach was used to show the nature of the galvanic corrosion when graphite epoxy composite materials(GECM)were coupled to LY12CZ aluminum alloy. An open circuit potential difference of one volt was obtained in 3.5% NaCl solution between GECM and LY12CZ. Corrosion current data (zero impedance technique) indicated that there was serious corrosion at GECM/LY12CZ couple.When GECM/LY12CZ couples were exposed to ASTM salt spray and alternate immersion condition, fiber glass cloth and H06-2 epoxy primer paint were effective methods for preventing galvanic corrosion.The slow strain rate test (SSRT) showed that GECM increased the LY12CZ stress corrosion crack growth rate.

Key words: galvanic corrosion, graphite epoxy composite materials