Galvanic Compatibility: Titanium and Steel

Compatibility Assessment

Titanium is one of the most cathodic common engineering metals. Contact with steel will rapidly accelerate steel corrosion, especially in marine or chemical environments.

Compatibility by Environment

The acceptable voltage difference depends on the operating environment:

• Harsh (outdoor/marine): ❌ Not compatible (0.55V > 0.15V)
• Normal (indoor/uncontrolled): ❌ Not compatible (0.55V > 0.25V)
• Controlled (HVAC): ❌ Not compatible (0.55V > 0.50V)

Thresholds per MIL-STD-889 guidelines. Harsh = saltwater, industrial, outdoor. Normal = warehouse, uncontrolled indoor. Controlled = temperature/humidity regulated.

How Galvanic Corrosion Works

When two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact and exposed to an electrolyte (water, especially saltwater), an electrochemical cell forms:

1. The more anodic (active) metal — Steel in this case — loses electrons and corrodes.
2. The more cathodic (noble) metal — Titanium — is protected and may even corrode less than it would alone.
3. The corrosion rate increases with the voltage difference between the metals and the amount of moisture present.

The area ratio also matters critically: a small piece of anodic metal in contact with a large cathodic surface will corrode much faster than the reverse. For example, steel rivets in a titanium sheet will fail quickly, while titanium rivets in steel are less problematic.

Prevention Strategies

• Insulating gaskets/washers: Place non-conductive material between the metals to break the electrical path.
• Protective coatings: Apply paint, lacquer, or specialized coatings to one or both metals.
• Use compatible fasteners: Choose fasteners from the same galvanic group as the base material.
• Apply sealant: Marine-grade sealants (like 3M 5200) can isolate metals while maintaining structural integrity.
• Sacrificial anodes: In critical applications, add a more anodic (active) metal that corrodes preferentially.
• Design for drainage: Ensure water cannot pool at the junction of dissimilar metals.

Related Metal Pairings

• Aluminum + Steel — Low Risk (0.05V)
• Aluminum + Titanium — Severe Risk (0.6V)
• Steel + Stainless Steel — High Risk (0.35V)
• Steel + Copper — High Risk (0.5V)
• Steel + Brass — High Risk (0.45V)
• Steel + Bronze — High Risk (0.45V)