| Zinc plating prevents decay of the metal by forming | | | | Zinc Plated Metals |
| a physical barrier on metal and by acting as a barrier | | | | Zinc Plated metal is often used in the construction of |
| if this barrier is damaged. Zinc coatings provide the | | | | warships, such as carriers and submarines. The water |
| most effective way of protecting steel against | | | | and salt repellent qualities of the steel with its solid |
| corrosion. Zinc reacts with oxygen to form zinc oxide | | | | zinc coating make it the ideal material to use for hulls. |
| that further reacts with water molecules in the air to | | | | It is also used for building structures that will remain |
| form zinc hydroxide. Finally zinc hydroxide reacts with | | | | strong for many decades. Zinc Plated steel is an ideal |
| carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to yield a thin, | | | | material for a multitude of building applications. In the |
| impermeable, firm and quite insoluble dull grey layer of | | | | residential construction market, Zinc plated steel has |
| zinc carbonate which protects it from further | | | | particular and cost-effective applications in framing, |
| corrosion. | | | | roofing, and rain ware, heating or cooling and venting |
| How Zinc Protects | | | | and household appliances. |
| When left unprotected, steel will decay in almost any | | | | How Zinc are Applied |
| environment. Zinc coatings stop corrosion by | | | | There are two processes namely hot dip and electro |
| providing two protections,namely a physical barrier | | | | galvanized to apply Zinc. Hot dip plating put a thick |
| and cathodic action. | | | | robust layer that is necessary for the protection of |
| Barrier Protection | | | | the underlying metal. This is the case in automobile |
| Zinc coatings provide a continuous, impervious metallic | | | | bodies, where additional rust proofing paint will be |
| barrier that does not allow moisture to contact steel. | | | | applied. The protection of steel from corrosion by |
| Without direct moisture contact, there is no | | | | the hot dip zinc galvanizing has been practiced for |
| corrosion. | | | | almost 200 years, and the technique is still unequaled |
| Cathodic Protection | | | | for the long term protection. |
| Another outstanding protection is zinc’s | | | | A thinner form of plating is applied by electroplating, |
| remarkable ability to galvanic ally protect steel. When | | | | called "electro galvanization". However, the protection |
| bare steel is exposed to moisture, such as at a cut | | | | this process provides is insufficient for products that |
| edge or surface scratch, steel is protected by the | | | | will be constantly exposed to acidic materials such as |
| sacrificial loss of zinc in the surroundings of the | | | | salt water. Most nails made today are |
| exposed steel. In the immediate presence of zinc, | | | | electro-galvanized. |
| steel will not corrode until all the zinc has been | | | | Galvanized metal has made it possible for humanity to |
| sacrificed. This is particularly important for coated | | | | enjoy long lasting shelters, as well as explore the |
| steel sheet since corrosion will continually undercut | | | | ocean and the ocean floor in perfect safety. For |
| both aluminum or paint barrier coatings. The presence | | | | over a century, zinc has enhanced the longevity and |
| of zinc is the key to cathodic protection. | | | | performance of steel. There is no doubt that |
| The bond between the zinc and steel is metallurgical | | | | humankind will continue to find ways to utilize this |
| so that a coil of zinc coated steel can be cut, | | | | valuable construction tool in new and exciting ways in |
| punched and formed without damaging the zinc | | | | the years to come. |
| coating. | | | | |