The main application of the galvanic series is in corrosion. We can use this series in different environments, such as soil and seawater, and it is helpful for learning the free corrosion of different metals. The comparison between the potential of two proposed metals on both sides of the galvanic connection is the driving voltage of the proposed galvanic coupling. If you connect two different metals, the component with more negative potential is more active, and will be the anode of the galvanic coupling. In addition to its usefulness, this series is more practical than the theoretical table of pure materials’ potential.
The generally available galvanic potential series is imprecise, because alloying and combining base metals with others can change the free corrosion potential. At the same time, progress in the corrosion and film formation on the surface changes the free corrosion potential too. In the case of soil, humidity and soil type could change the potential of the metals, while in seawater, changing the salinity or temperature will have the same effect. In conclusion, the galvanic series is helpful, but only as a general guide.
Galvanic Series in Soil
| Materials | Potential (V vs. CSE) |
| Mg (Pure, M1C, ..) | -1.75 |
| Mg alloy (AZ63) | -1.6 |
| Zn | -1.1 |
| Al-5Zn alloy | -1 |
| Mild steel (Clean and Shiny) | -0.5 to -0.8 |
| Mild steel (rusted) | -0.2 to -0.5 |
| Pb | -0.5 |
| Cu | 0.2 to -0.2 |
| Mild steel in concrete | -0.2 to -0.4 |
| High silicon cast iron (HSCI) | -0.2 |
| Coke | 0.3 |
In CCPTools, you can utilize the galvanic series for soil or seawater environment.