What Does
Galvanized Mean?
Galvanized refers the process of depositing a protective zinc layer on iron or steel to protect against corrosion of the base metal. After this process, galvanized metal is produced. The zinc forms a corrosion resistant coating and prevents corrosive substances from penetrating to the base metal. The zinc works as a sacrificial anode.
Galvanized steel is used widely where rusting or corrosion is anticipated. It is used for street furniture, building frameworks, balconies, ladders and walkways.
Galvanized steel can last for over 100 years without rust if the environment does not contain sulfur or salts.
Corrosionpedia Explains Galvanized
Galvanized is a process in which metal items (mainly steel or iron) are submerged in pure molten zinc at a temperature of approximately 454 °C (850 °F). This process gives galvanic protection to the metal when exposed to a corrosive environment. It not only protects various ‘soft metals’ from corrosion but also adds strength to the original metal. A galvanized coating is very useful in extremely corrosive environments such as a marine atmosphere. The corrosion performance and life of the galvanized product depends on the thickness of a galvanized coating; a thicker coating will provide longer life.
Galvanized steel is essentially pure zinc with a very small percentage of aluminum. The aluminum provides improved adhesion between the coating and the steel substrate during formation.
Galvanized steel is not the same with galvanneal steel. Galvanneal steel is produced by the process of galvanizing with an additional step – annealing is performed after the zinc coating.
Galfan provides better corrosion protection performance by 50% or more over traditional galvanizing. Galfan is environmentally friendly and provides better paint adhesion. Therefore, galfan is an alternative to galvanization.