Apple Watch Galvanic Corrosion(Dissimilar metal corrosion)

 Apple Watch corrosion issues

Introduction

The Apple Watch is a must-have item for iPhone users and has become a fashion item.

many users are trying to find the right combination.

I want to make sure you don't end up with a bad combination.

 

I work in the corrosion industry and have an international corrosion certificate.

Corrosion

Iron and its alloys exist in nature in a rust state.

Rust is a type of corrosion that affects iron and its alloys. It is the result of a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen in the presence of water or moisture.

It oxidizes and returns to its natural state(rust)

This is called corrosion.

 

There are various corrosion resistance methods to prevent corrosion, such as painting the metal, forming an oxide film to prevent oxygen contact, or adding chromium.

Galvanic Corrosion - Dissimilar metal corrosion

Galvanic corrosion, also known as bimetallic corrosion, is a type of corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water. The more anodic (less noble) metal corrodes at a faster rate compared to the more cathodic (more noble) metal, resulting in the deterioration of the anodic metal.

(Image source Wikipdia - wikipedia.org)

This is a condition where different metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte.

• If you're wearing a stainless steel link bracelet on your Apple Watch Ultra Titanium body and it gets wet

Apple Watch and metal straps

Apple Watch is available in three different materials.

• Aluminum
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium

Original straps are available in two difference materials.

(Silicone straps are not associated with galvanic corrosion.)

• Stainless Steel
• Titanium

In an electrolyte(water, sweat or sea water. etc)

• Aluminum and Stainless Steel : The aluminum to rust
• Aluminum and Titanium : The aluminum to rust
• Stainless Steel and Titanium : The Stainless Steel to rust

Apple Watch Ultra and Link Bracelet Combination - Galvanic Corrosion

Link bracelet combinations with the Apple Watch Ultra are a popular choice for aesthetics and metal strap preferences.

Apple's original link bracelet is priced in the high $300s.

• Apple Watch Ultra : Titanium
• Link bracelet : Stainless Steel

In this case Apple Watch Ultra becomes cathodic 

and Link bracelet becomes anodized.

If there is an electrolyte(such as water, sweat or sea water) between the two materials, the link bracelet will begin to rust.

Apple Watch Ultra Band instructions

‘Apple Watch Ultra is also compatible with 45mm bands, but 45mm bands should only be worn for casual, everyday wear.’ - source from http://www.apple.com

This wording here is intended to refer to galvanic corrosion.

'Casual, everyday wear' does not refer to situation such as sweat from exercise or wetness from swimming.

Examples

• First indication that galvanic corrosion is a potential problem | MacRumors Forums
• Galvanic corrosion ss band and aluminum c… - Apple Community

Conclusion

It's still usable

For those who want to use it or have already purchased it, don't be disappointed.

You can use it. You just have to manage it.

• If it gets wet, don't leave it for long(like a day) and wipe it dry.
• if it gets salted, wash it in fresh water and dry it.

This is the reason for this post.

I want to use Nomad's Titanium band but I use as below 

Apple Watch Ultra - Value priced Nomad's Titanium band type Review

Thanks