Definition
Galvanization is a process that involves the protection of steel and iron from exposure to the atmosphere leading to rusting, and is therefore preventable by the application of zinc coating.
Proper coating by galvanization can protect the material from the atmosphere and corrosion for nearly 15 to 30 years, however pores develop in the coating galvanic or electrolytic action occurs.
The most common method is hot-dip galvanizing, which involves submerging the the parts in a bath of molten hot zinc.
Additionally, hot-dip galvanizing is a form of galvanization which involves dipping iron or steel in a bath that consists of molten zinc at a temperature around 449o C (840 °F). Furthermore this helps in producing a multi-layer coating of zinc-iron alloy and zinc metal.
The multi- layer coating is corrosion resistant, when we steel immerse in zinc, a reaction which is metallurgical occurs between the iron and the molten zinc.
The reason that the galvanizing process uses zinc instead of other metals is that zinc oxidizes and experiences acid corrosion “sacrificially” to steel. That means that when zinc is in contact with steel, oxygen and acids will attack the zinc rather than the steel that lies beneath the Zinc.
The other methods of Galvanization include:
- Thermal spray: Thermal spray produces the thickest coating of zinc out of all the other methods of galvanization
- Electroplating : It yields the least thickness and applying a layer of zinc coating to steel products. Furthermore, this method is typically utilized on smaller items fasteners and other materials used in everyday life.
- Sheet galvanizing : The sheet galvanizing is utilized with steel sheets. Additionally, steel materials useful in as wires in order to increase steel resistance to oxidation
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