Galvanization of Metal

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:53:30 +0000

Galvanization is a method that is used to prevent rusting by adding a coat of zinc to either iron or steel as a protective layer. The term galvanizing is defined as applying a zinc coating to metal by using a galvanic cell. There are a few ways that the galvanization of metal can be done though the main and most cost effective way is fully submerging the steel or iron in a bath of melted down zinc called the hot-dip galvanization method. Galvanization of metal was discovered by Luigi Galvani in the 1800’s. Although the predecessor to the hot-dip method, Galvanic paint, was invented by Stanislas Sorel in 1837. The earliest example of galvanizing iron was a piece of indian armor from the 1700‘s.

Using zinc to coat metal is used to prevent corrosion by placing a protective sacrificial layer on top of steel or iron. It is sacrificial in the sense that eventually the zinc will corrode away into a zinc carbonate layer which adheres extremely well to the zinc remnants below creating a permanent coating. Don’t be fooled into thinking galvanization is the end all prevention of rusting because rusting is inevitable. If you live near a salty marine area the rusting process will come through much faster than in a dry area solely because of the salts in the air as well as the wet atmosphere. When it comes to Galvanized car frames, in cold climates they corrode much faster than in dry climates.

Galvanization of metal is not always as practical as you may think. When it comes to little bolts and screws on much bigger pieces of metal machinery it doesn’t make very much sense to use the hot-dip method of galvanization from a cost efficient prospective. Rather than using the hot-dip method companies have turned to using stainless steal nuts and bolts on things like cars and bicycles.

Jeff is a geology major focusing in precious metals living in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mechanical Metals

Galvanization of Metal