US 11,808,297 B2
Fastener joint and associated method for avoiding corrosion of dissimilar material fastener joints
Yong Chae Lim, Oak Ridge, TN (US); Ji Heon Jun, Oak Ridge, TN (US); Michael P. Brady, Oak Ridge, TN (US); and Zhili Feng, Oak Ridge, TN (US)
Assigned to UT-Battelle, LLC, Oak Ridge, TN (US)
Filed by UT-Battelle, LLC, Oak Ridge, TN (US)
Filed on Jan. 29, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/162,147.
Prior Publication US 2022/0243749 A1, Aug. 4, 2022
Int. Cl. F16B 5/04 (2006.01); H01R 4/06 (2006.01); H01R 43/04 (2006.01); H01R 4/70 (2006.01); C23C 8/14 (2006.01); C22C 38/58 (2006.01); C22C 38/54 (2006.01); C22C 38/50 (2006.01); C22C 38/46 (2006.01); C22C 38/44 (2006.01); C22C 38/42 (2006.01); C22C 38/06 (2006.01); C22C 38/02 (2006.01); C22C 38/00 (2006.01); F16B 19/08 (2006.01)
CPC F16B 5/04 (2013.01) [C22C 38/002 (2013.01); C22C 38/005 (2013.01); C22C 38/02 (2013.01); C22C 38/06 (2013.01); C22C 38/42 (2013.01); C22C 38/44 (2013.01); C22C 38/46 (2013.01); C22C 38/50 (2013.01); C22C 38/54 (2013.01); C22C 38/58 (2013.01); C23C 8/14 (2013.01); F16B 19/086 (2013.01)] 5 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for forming a pre-oxidized fastener for use in joining dissimilar materials, comprising the steps of:
fabricating a bare fastener from an alloy capable of forming an electrically resistive oxide when subjected to an oxidation process;
following the fabrication step, pre-oxidizing the fastener in an environment containing oxygen to grow a layer of oxide on an exterior surface of the fastener to provide a pre-oxidized fastener, the layer being in an electrically resistive phase and being of sufficient thickness to electrically insulate the pre-oxidized fastener when used in joining dissimilar materials; and
wherein the pre-oxidized fastener exhibits a greater interfacial resistance and/or a lower galvanic current than the bare fastener; and
wherein the fabricating step is further defined as fabricating the bare fastener from an alumina-forming austenitic stainless steel alloy.