Zinc hydroxide is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula Zn(OH)2. It is amphoteric in nature and can dissolve in either a strong base or an acid solution. It is often used as a galvanic substance to prevent corrosion of metal substrates.
Zinc hydroxide dissolves in an ammonia solution to form a water-soluble amine. However, the most widespread use of zinc hydroxide is due to its ability to galvanically protect steel when used as a sacrificial substance.
Even when steel is exposed to external corrosion facilitating elements such as moisture and chemicals, the steel is cathodically protected by the sacrificial corrosion of a zinc-bearing coating such as zinc hydroxide. This occurs because zinc is more electronegative (hence, reactive) than steel in the galvanic series.
Share this Term
Don't miss the latest corrosion content from Corrosionpedia!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get expert advice and top insights on corrosion science, mitigation and prevention. We create world-leading educational content about corrosion and how to preserve the integrity of the world’s infrastructure and assets.
Latest Articles
By: Raghvendra Gopal | Founder & Director, Materials Info Consultancy Private Limited
By: Raghvendra Gopal | Founder & Director, Materials Info Consultancy Private Limited
By: Aldrich Tyto | Laboratory Manager, CORROSION
