To prevent electrolytic action when riveting dissimilar metals together, what should be used?

When riveting dissimilar metals together, using a separator is essential to prevent electrolytic action, which can lead to corrosion. Electrolytic action occurs when two different metals come into contact in the presence of an electrolyte, promoting corrosion at the junction of those metals. A separator acts as an insulating barrier, preventing direct contact between the metals and thereby reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion.

By isolating the two metals, the separator mitigates the electrochemical reaction that would otherwise take place, especially in environments prone to moisture or other conductive substances. This practice helps ensure the longevity and structural integrity of the materials used in sheet metal structures, making it a critical step in metalworking and aircraft maintenance.

While protective paint is useful for coating surfaces and providing a layer of protection against environmental elements, it does not fully address the concern of direct metal contact during riveting. Lubricants are primarily used for ease of assembly and reducing friction, and while they can provide some level of corrosion resistance, they do not prevent galvanic action. Additional rivets would not solve the issue of corrosion between dissimilar metals; rather, they would simply add more points of contact where the issue could arise.