And when zinc and steel come in contact with each other in an electrolytic solution - which is what occurs during the zinc plating process - the zinc serves as the anode for the steel. Zinc is more electrochemically active than iron. Through a process known as galvanic corrosion, zinc will “defer” to the metal that it’s protecting. Interestingly, another reason that zinc coating is so effective at stopping corrosion is due to zinc’s own corrosive properties. Moisture can find its way in through ventilation ducts, and certain chemical-laden atmospheres found in some industrial settings can also promote corrosion on metal surfaces. This is not only important in outdoor settings, but many indoor industrial or manufacturing environments are also conducive to the formation of oxidation. Zinc coating serves as a metallic barrier that keeps moisture from reaching the surface of the coated object. Think about what happens when you leave a steel or iron-based metal object outdoors without protecting it from the rain or snow: the formation of rust is inevitable. Iron and steel are particularly susceptible to oxidation. It occurs when iron or steel comes in contact with moisture in the air. You might also be familiar with the concept of oxidation, which is colloquially referred to as rust. Zinc Coatings Form a Protective Barrier Against Moisture Depending on environmental conditions, zinc can corrode at a rate of up to 100 times slower than other metals. They help keep out the moisture that can significantly speed up the corrosion process. These zinc corrosion products, which are commonly referred to as zinc patina, serve as a protective barrier on metal surfaces. Zinc has the inherent ability to form corrosion byproducts that can significantly reduce the corrosion rate of ferrous metals. It can provide basic protection against corrosion. If you work in industrial manufacturing, you may be familiar with the term “Commercial Zinc.” This refers to a zinc finishing specification that’s often used to coat metallic parts. Alloying zinc with copper to produce brass remains a widespread practice, representing the second-most common form of zinc usage. This involves coating the surface of a metal with a thin layer of zinc to create a corrosion-resistant barrier. Nearly one half of all zinc produced is used in zinc galvanizing processes to protect steel and iron from rusting. Zinc is now the fourth-most widely consumed metal in the entire world. It’s also noted for its bluish-white color. In its metallic state, zinc is relatively hard and brittle. The production of metallic zinc dates all the way back to the 13th century. Long before zinc was officially discovered and isolated as a natural element by a German chemist named Andreas Marggraf in 1746, zinc ores were combined with copper to produce brass. If you think back to your high school chemistry days, you might remember that zinc (Zn) is one of the chemical elements listed on the periodic table of elements - #30 to be exact. Zinc is a naturally occurring element that’s abundant in the Earth’s crust. You’ll find zinc coatings on nuts, bolts, automotive parts and a wide range of other consumer products. The remarkable effectiveness of zinc plating combined with its relatively low cost has made it a popular choice for protecting surfaces in all types of manufacturing processes. If you’re contemplating the best way to protect metal surfaces against the relentless forces of corrosion, a simple phrase to keep in mind is “think zinc.” When a zinc coating is electroplated onto the surface of ferrous (iron-containing) metals, it creates a formidable corrosion-resistant barrier - while also providing a number of other important benefits. Please refer to our coatings page to learn about the other coatings we offer. UPDATE (): SPC is no longer taking on new business for zinc plating.
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