FastenersAsia May 2023

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The best materials for marine fasteners Marine fasteners and fixings are often exposed to harsh environments, including saltwater, moisture and temperature changes. Selecting the right fastener material is critical to ensuring its long term performance and durability.

applications, this fastener material is preferred to stainless steel due to enhanced performance in aspects such as thermal conductivity and tensile strength. Titanium fasteners have the unique ability to rapidly regrow their protective passive layer in the presence of oxygen, giving them unparalleled resistance to saltwater environments. They are also naturally lighter than other metal alloys and composites, making the material a suit- able choice for weight-sensitive vessels. Like silicon bronze, titanium provides resistance to extreme temperatures and fluctuations, making it suitable for marine applications. When choosing marine fasteners, they need to be very highly resistant to corrosion caused by saltwater (even for internal applications), and able to withstand harsh operating environments such as those in engine rooms or out on deck. The team at Leyton Fasteners can talk customers through their options and source even the most niche types of fasteners. Leyton Fasteners https://leytonfasteners.co.uk

Given these factors, the best materials for marine fasteners are those that offer high corrosion resistance and strength. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium and is highly resistant to corrosion. It is often used in marine environments due to its strength and dura- bility. Marine-grade stainless steel, such as A4-316 stainless steel, is exceptionally corrosion resistant and suitable for use in saltwater environments. A2–304 is appro- priate for internal marine applications. Ideally, anything submerged requires an alloy of at least six per cent molybdenum, which the A4-316 grade contains. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its strength and corrosion resistance, and is often used in marine applications, particularly in cabin fittings. Brass often has a higher tensile strength than stainless steel, ranging from 40 to 85 ksi, depending on how much zinc is present in the alloy.

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Marine fasteners have to be carefully selected

However, only certain classifications of brass fasteners should be used below the waterline, due to the process of dezincification. Zinc is corroded by the chloride in seawater, meaning high zinc brass alloys would have very little structural integrity after prolonged exposure to salt water. It will also readily tarnish when exposed to seawater, usually leaving a green patina. Silicon bronze contains copper, tin, silicon and sometimes small amounts of other metals such as zinc and manganese. The alloy is highly resistant to corrosion and is particularly effective in saltwater environments, where other metals may corrode quicker. It forms a protective oxide layer on its surface, preventing further corrosion and ensuring long lasting performance. In many marine

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May 2023