电偶腐蚀与紧固件选型：混合金属组件中电化学损伤的预防

In coastal African environments, using stainless steel screws with aluminum roofing is risky. Stainless steel (especially 304/316 passive) is more noble than aluminum, meaning in the presence of saltwater, the aluminum will corrode preferentially — potentially around the screw holes, causing roof leaks and structural weakness. Use aluminum or polymer-coated fasteners specifically designed for aluminum roofing. In inland dry environments, the risk is much lower, but isolation washers are still recommended.

HDG (hot-dip galvanized) bolts have an anodic index around -1.05 to -1.20V, while passive stainless steel 304/316 is around -0.10 to -0.20V. The HDG bolt is much more active, meaning it will corrode preferentially when coupled with stainless steel in the presence of an electrolyte. This is actually the desired behavior in some applications (HDG sacrifices itself to protect the stainless), but if you want the HDG bolt to last, they should be isolated with a non-conductive washer, or a stainless steel bolt should be used instead.

White rust is zinc oxide/hydroxide — the corrosion product of hot-dip galvanized zinc coating. It appears as white powdery deposits on the surface, especially when galvanized parts are stored wet or stacked wet. While white rust is not structurally dangerous (the underlying zinc still provides protection), it indicates improper storage. To prevent white rust: keep HDG fasteners dry during storage; separate stacked items with wooden dunnage to allow air circulation; do not stack wet parts. If white rust has formed, remove it by wire brushing and the underlying zinc coating is still functional.