Because stuff happens and your really killer car becomes the victim of careless shop cleaning and organization it becomes necessary to learn paint-less dent removal. Like most tasks a little research is required and then acquiring the special tools. This is referred to whale tail. These are a little spendy, around 70 bucks so we are going to make one our-self and also several different mods to it.

Do you ever wonder why assembles don’t join different types of metal in fabrication? One primary reason is corrosion, understanding this metal degradation is important, especially in assembles under motion like aircraft. Your Boat, you want it to stay pretty for a long time, better invest in WD40 !

Electrochemical potential (science)

When you join different types of metals, corrosion can occur due to a process called galvanic corrosion. Here’s a simple explanation:

1. Different Metals: Metals like aluminum, copper, and steel have different properties, including how easily they give up electrons. This is known as their “electrochemical potential.”
2. Electrochemical Potential: Metals with a high electrochemical potential, like aluminum, tend to lose electrons more easily, while metals with a low electrochemical potential, like copper, do not.
3. Electrolyte Presence: When two dissimilar metals are joined together and exposed to an electrolyte (like water, especially if it contains salts or other chemicals), a galvanic cell is formed.
4. Galvanic Cell: In this cell, the metal with higher electrochemical potential (anode) starts losing electrons to the metal with lower electrochemical potential (cathode).
5. Corrosion: The metal that loses electrons (the anode) begins to corrode. This happens because the metal atoms are converted into ions, which dissolve into the electrolyte, causing the metal to deteriorate.
6. Example: Imagine a steel screw (high potential) in a copper pipe (low potential). If water acts as an electrolyte, the steel screw will start to corrode as it loses electrons to the copper pipe.

By understanding this process, you can take measures to prevent corrosion, such as using the same type of metal, applying protective coatings, or placing a barrier between different metals.

There are several types of corrosion that affects metal

Here are some of the most common types:

1. Uniform Corrosion: This is the most common type of corrosion, where the metal surface corrodes at a uniform rate. It usually results in a relatively uniform thinning of the metal.
2. Galvanic Corrosion: This occurs when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte. The more reactive metal (anode) corrodes faster than it would alone, while the less reactive metal (cathode) corrodes slower.
3. Pitting Corrosion: This type involves the formation of small pits or holes on the metal surface. It’s highly localized and can lead to failure even if the rest of the metal appears unaffected.
4. Crevice Corrosion: Occurs in confined spaces where the access of the working fluid (e.g., water) is limited, such as under gaskets, washers, or bolt heads. It is similar to pitting but occurs in crevices.
5. Intergranular Corrosion: This happens along the grain boundaries of a metal. It can be particularly severe in metals that have been improperly heat-treated or welded.
6. Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC): This occurs when a metal is subjected to tensile stress and a corrosive environment simultaneously. It often leads to sudden and unexpected failure of the metal.
7. Erosion Corrosion: This is caused by the combined effects of corrosion and mechanical wear. It’s common in pipelines and equipment where high-velocity fluids cause physical wear on the metal.
8. Filiform Corrosion: This occurs under painted or coated surfaces and appears as thread-like filaments of corrosion spreading from small defects in the coating.
9. Microbial Corrosion: This type of corrosion is influenced by the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or algae. It can occur in various environments, including soils, water, and oils.
10. Dealloying: This type involves the selective corrosion of one element from an alloy, such as the leaching of zinc from brass, leaving behind a porous and weakened structure.

Understanding the different types of corrosion can help in choosing the right materials and protective measures to prevent or mitigate damage.

Living in Florida

Living in Florida, particularly in coastal regions, adds additional elements to the corrosion problem due to the unique environmental conditions. Here are some factors that exacerbate corrosion in such areas:

1. High Humidity: Florida’s humid climate increases the likelihood of moisture settling on metal surfaces, which accelerates corrosion processes.
2. Salt Air: Coastal areas are exposed to salt-laden air. Salt acts as an electrolyte, promoting galvanic corrosion and other types of corrosion more aggressively than freshwater.
3. Temperature Fluctuations: Frequent temperature changes can cause condensation, creating a moist environment that is conducive to corrosion.
4. Frequent Rainfall: Florida’s regular rainfall, including heavy storms, can wash away protective coatings and increase metal exposure to water and oxygen, accelerating rust and other forms of corrosion.
5. UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can degrade protective coatings and paints, leaving the underlying metal vulnerable to corrosion.
6. Wind-Driven Sand and Salt: Coastal winds can carry abrasive particles and salt, physically eroding protective coatings and exposing fresh metal surfaces to corrosive elements.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate these factors, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Use Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Choose materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or specially treated metals designed for marine environments.
2. Protective Coatings: Apply high-quality, UV-resistant paints and coatings to metal surfaces to create a barrier against moisture and salt.
3. Regular Maintenance: Inspect and maintain metal structures regularly. Clean off salt deposits and apply fresh coatings as needed.
4. Cathodic Protection: Use cathodic protection techniques, such as sacrificial anodes, to protect more important metal structures from corrosion.
5. Environmental Barriers: Where possible, install barriers or shelters to protect metal components from direct exposure to saltwater spray and wind-driven sand.
6. Proper Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling on or around metal structures.
7. Desiccants and Dehumidifiers: In enclosed spaces, use desiccants or dehumidifiers to control humidity levels.

By understanding and addressing these additional elements, you can better protect metal structures and components from the accelerated corrosion common in Florida’s coastal regions.

Here’s an illustration of dissimilar metal corrosion:

• Metal A (Anode): Represented by the silver rectangle (e.g., aluminum). This metal corrodes due to electron loss.
• Metal B (Cathode): Represented by the gold rectangle (e.g., copper). This metal remains relatively unaffected.
• Corrosion: Indicated by the red circle on Metal A, showing where it corrodes.
• Electrolyte: The blue line represents an electrolyte (e.g., saltwater) facilitating the corrosion process.

This visual demonstrates how the presence of an electrolyte and the difference in electrochemical potential between two metals lead to corrosion of the more reactive metal (anode).