5 FACTS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT GALVANIZING
Zn
GALVANIZATION INVOLVES ZINC
Galvanized steel is protected as a result of a protective zinc coating. The zinc functions in two ways after binding to the steel: First, it protects the metal from the atmosphere. Second: it provides cathodic protection.
GALVANIZING THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
When the Brooklyn Bridge was built, over 14,500 miles of hot-dip galvanized wire was used for its four main cables. Over 100 years later when the bridge underwent massive rehabilitation, the hot-dip galvanized wire was in excellent condition.
INCREASING THE HEAT
Galvanizer kettles (Galv Bath) are set at temperatures ranging between 435 C to 454 C. A galvanizer knows a piece of steel should be immersed for a specific amount of time in order for the metallurgical reaction between zinc and iron to reach completion.
GALVANIZATION VS THE ENVIRONMENT
Zinc seals the underlying steel from contact with its environment. If the steel is exposed to the elements due to mechanical damage, the surrounding zinc corrodes sacrificially, protecting the underlying steel from corrosive attack.
GALVANIZING IS ALL AROUND US
Galvanized steel is all around us and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. It is used in construction, transport, agriculture, power transmission and everywhere that good corrosion protection and long life are essential.