What is galvanized steel?

Galvanized steel is a steel that has undergone a chemical process to prevent corroding. The steel is coated in zinc oxide layers because this protective metal is not so easy to rust. The coating also gives steels more resistant and difficult to scratch that many people consider it attractive. Galvanized steel is necessary for countless outdoor, marine or industrial applications.

as is made

One of the most common ways to create a rust resisting steel is a combination of metal with a metal that is less likely to corrode: zinc. When the steel is immersed in molten zinc, the chemical reaction continuously connects the zinc to the steel. Therefore, Zink is not exactly sealant, such as color, because it is not just a wrapper for a second metal; In fact, this is permanently part of it. The easternmost layer is the whole zinc, but consecutive layers are a mixture of zinc and iron with the interior of pure steel.

6 continuous sheet galvanizing leads a steel sheet or wires with a molten zinc; It is soThe form of immersion of hot, but leaves a thinner layer of protective metal. The steel can also be painted or sprayed with zinc, although no method creates a strong binding of immersion. Electrrogal or electroplating uses electricity to create a bond between two metals, resulting in a relatively thin layer of zinc.

The degree of galvanization is usually described as a zinc weight to the surface than its thickness, because it gives a better representation of how much metal has been applied. After creating individual parts, it often becomes galvanized, such as braces, nails, screws, rays or pins. However, the continuous galvanization of the sheet is often used before metal with products to create products and can withstand bending and forming without peeling.

Advantages of galvanization

zinc protects steel in two ways. First, it is highly resistant to rust; Iron, the main component of steel, reacts very easily with oxygen and moisture and eventually disintegrates. A layer of zinc on the surface to preventIt is so quickly achieved by these elements. It also develops a patina - a layer of zinc, salt and other compounds - which offers additional protection. Zinc is also very resistant and scratch resistant and has a satin look that many consider attractive.

The outer layer also protects steel as a "sacrificial layer". If, for some reason, the surface of galvanized steel retains for some reason, the zinc will be corroded first. Even in areas where the surface is scratched or damaged, the surrounding zinc will still be corroded before steel. The lifetime of galvanized steel varies, but industrial steel with 3.9 million (0.0039 inches or 0.09906 mm) can take more than 70 years without maintenance under average conditions.

uses

galvanized steel can be found almost everywhere. Many individuals live in steel frame houses and buildings are often made from galvanized steel roofs. There are more steel parts in cars that help them protect against the weather and used in many seasonsDue to its ability to withstand salt and elements. In addition to being cheap, durable and efficient, it is also popular because it can be recycled and reused.

disadvantages

There are relatively few disadvantages for galvanization, but it is not a good method for protecting all steel objects. Some objects cannot be soaked, often because they are too large or too small and other forms of galvanization are often not so protective and long -term. In the end, the zinc will be corroded, although it takes the case, depending on the thickness of the coating and the environment. Galvanized steel has a much shorter life when it is regularly exposed to rain or seawater.

galvanized steel, which is cooled too slowly or stacked together before complete cooling can also let the outer layer peel off the zinc. In some cases, small gaps between zinc and background alloy can also be created, which can also cause peeling. When a very powerful coat of zinc is applied, it canthe state fragile and insert.

alternatives to galvanization

Some metal objects cannot be effectively galvanized; For example, the zinc coating would be too strong on a small screw. In many cases, stainless steel, made of chrome, is used instead. Unlike galvanized metals, metal is not covered with metal; Chrome is part of the composition of the steel alloy.