Gordon Brush Logo
323-724-7777 / 800-950-7950
Log In   Cart (0)   Contact Us
Brush-A-Pedia® Brushes By Fill Material
Brushes By Handle Material
Brushes By Application
Brushes By NSN Number
Clearance Brushes
Brushes By Industry
Aerospace
Automotive
Electronics
Facility Management
Food Service
Forensics and Criminology
Janitorial
Material Handling and Packaging
Medical
Military
Pharmaceutical
Printing and Engraving
Stock Brushes
Abrasives & Buffs
Applicator Brushes
Artist Brushes
Artist and Forensic Brushes
Block Brushes
Bore Brushes
Brushes By NSN Number
Channel Brushes & Metal Holders
Duster Brushes
ESD and Cleanroom Brushes
Flow Thru Brushes
Handheld Brushes
Janitorial Brushes
Metal Handle Brushes
Miniature Brushes
Non-Scratch Tube Cleaning Brushes
Non-Sparking Brushes
Paint Brushes and Accessories
Plastic Handle Brushes
Precision Brushes
Scratch and Plater Brushes
Specialty Brushes
Speedy Sweep®
Spinning Brushes
Spiral/Twisted-in-Wire
Toothbrush Style
Upright Brushes
Utility Brushes
Wood Handle Brushes
Brushes By Application
Artist Brushes
Disinfecting & Sterilizing Brushes
ESD and Cleanroom Brushes
FDA Compliant Brushes
Forensic Brushes
Janitorial Brushes
Medical Brushes
Non-Sparking Brushes
Paint Brushes and Accessories
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Accessibility
Proud To Be An AMERICAN Manufacturer
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
          Proud To Be An AMERICAN Manufacturer
323-724-7777 / 800-950-7950
Gordon Brush Logo
323-724-7777 / 800-950-7950
Log In   Cart (0)
Gordon Brush Logo
All
Log In   Cart (0)

Contact Us
Gordon Brush Logo


Titanium Parts Need Titanium Brushes

The Problem with Using Stainless Steel Brushes

The use of stainless steel brushes on titanium parts has been a common practice since titanium came into widespread industrial use. When a titanium part is brushed with a stainless steel brush, small amounts of the stainless steel are abraded from the brush fiber and embedded in the surface of the titanium. The two dissimilar metals are physically bound. When moisture is added, the result is the creation of a battery and the start of galvanic corrosion.

Galvanic corrosion (also called dissimilar metal corrosion) refers to corrosion damage induced when two dissimilar materials are coupled in a corrosive environment. When a galvanic couple forms, the least noble of the metals in the couple becomes the anode [the stainless steel] and corrodes faster than it would all by itself, while the other becomes the cathode [the titanium part] and corrodes slower than it would alone. "A small anodic area relative to the cathodic area should be avoided" [MIL-STD-8898 5.1.4 ].

The extent of the corrosion is determined by the efficiency of the battery. Like most batteries, the potential is expressed in volts. The amount of potential voltage in the couple is expressed in the Anodic Index and is determined by the difference in the voltage potentials between the two metals. Titanium has a relative potential of .30v. The 400 series stainless steels have a potential of .60v. The difference in their potentials is .30v. If a 300 series stainless brush was used, the difference is .20v.

Using a pacified stainless steel, which is much closer to titanium in the Anodic Index, is an acceptable solution when joining fixed parts but, a brush, unlike a washer, is constantly being abraded against the work piece. With a pacification layer measured in angstroms [~ 3 angstroms] it is evident that protective oxide would be readily removed and the part of the brush in contact with the work piece would no longer be pacified.
 

Recommendation

How much corrosion is acceptable? That would, of course, depend on where it appeared: In your artificial heart valve? In the actuator arm of a space probe? In the rudder control assembly of a 747? The solution to the problem is to use titanium brushes on titanium parts. No dissimilar metals = no battery = no corrosion.

Anodic Index V

Titanium 0.30
18% chromium type corrosion-resistant steels [302, 304, 316] 0.50
12% chromium type corrosion-resistant steels [410, 416, 420] 0.60
 

Normal Environment

In normal environments, such as storage in warehouses or non-temperature and humidity controlled environments there should not be more than 0.25 V difference. A 300 series brush is marginally acceptable but, a titanium brush is preferred.
 

Controlled Environment

In controlled environments that are temperature and humidity controlled, 0.50 V can be tolerated. A titanium brush is not required
 

Harsh Environment

In harsh environments, such as outdoors, high humidity, and salt environments there should be not more than 0.15 V difference in the "Anodic Index." The only acceptable wire brush would contain 100% titanium.

Titanium Brush 1Titanium Brush 2

Titanium Brush 3Titanium Brush 4

Titanium Brush 5Titanium Brushes

Join Our Mailing List

We respect your privacy and will not share your information with third parties

COPYRIGHT © 2024 GORDON BRUSH MFG. CO., INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WEBSITE DEVELOPED BY:  EMSAR DESIGN LTD
Gordon Brush Logo
COPYRIGHT © 2024 GORDON BRUSH MFG. CO., INC.   |   ALL RIGHTS RESERVED   |   WEBSITE DEVELOPED BY: EMSAR DESIGN LTD