Galvanisation is a method of protecting steel and iron from rusting by coating them with a thin layer of zinc. The zinc coating acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding preferentially to the iron or steel substrate. Even if the zinc coating is scratched or damaged, it continues to protect the iron or steel beneath it from rusting.
Share
Galvanization is a process of applying a protective zinc coating to iron or steel to prevent rusting. It involves either hot-dip galvanizing, where the metal is immersed in molten zinc, or electroplating, where zinc is deposited onto the metal surface via an electric current.
Galvanization protects iron from rusting primarily through two mechanisms:
1. Barrier protection: The zinc coating acts as a physical barrier between the iron substrate and the surrounding environment. This barrier prevents moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive substances from reaching the iron surface, thereby inhibiting the formation of rust.
2. Sacrificial protection: Zinc is more reactive than iron, so when the galvanized surface is exposed to moisture or other corrosive elements, the zinc layer corrodes preferentially. This sacrificial corrosion of zinc protects the underlying iron or steel from oxidation, effectively preventing rust formation.
Together, these mechanisms make galvanization an effective and widely used method for protecting iron and steel structures from rust and corrosion in various industries.
Galvanization is a process of coating iron or steel with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. In this method, the metal is immersed in molten zinc or subjected to a zinc-rich electrolyte. Zinc, being more reactive than iron, corrodes preferentially. This sacrificial corrosion of zinc creates a protective layer on the iron surface. Even if the outer zinc layer is damaged, the underlying iron remains shielded from rusting. Galvanization is widely used for structures like fences, pipes, and car bodies, providing effective and durable protection against the corrosive effects of moisture and oxygen in the air.