Hot-dip galvanizing is a great way to protect your steel from costly corrosion. But what is corrosion and why does it happen? The more we know about the science of corrosion, the better we can protect your materials against it.
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion is a chemical process that affects metals when they are exposed to elements such as oxygen and water. It causes degradation and eventually destruction to metals such as steel. Metals are rarely found in a pure state, they are usually found in chemical combinations with other, non-metal elements. These chemical combinations are referred to as ore. When those atoms are exposed to oxygen, the atoms on the surface of metal become oxidized, damaging the surface of the metal by reducing it back to an ore state. This creates unsightly rust and damaged material.
How Does Hot-Dip Galvanizing Help to Prevent Corrosion?
Hot-dip galvanizing allows iron or steel to be coated with a barrier protection of zinc. This protective zinc alloy becomes tightly bonded to the steel, creating a layered protection with a bond strength of around 3,600 psi. In addition to the corrosion protection in any environment, this alloy also provides excellent abrasion resistance that is harder than the steel, protecting it from any damage that might occur during the shipment or construction process It also forms a galvanic cell where the zinc corrodes rather than the iron, as well as other forms of protection
It’s important to understand the science of corrosion to prevent costly and dangerous damage that can result from corroded metals. Additionally, the more we learn how to prevent corrosion, the longer steel products will last and allow it to be more environmentally sustainable. Hot-dip galvanizing the steel used in your project can help protect against the financial and environmental costs of corrosion.
Contact Duncan Galvanizing
Duncan Galvanizing is proud to be one of the Northeast’s premier hot-dip galvanizers. We offer high quality hot-dip galvanizing, Colorgalv (paint over galvanizing), powder coating and more for a beautiful architectural finish. Give us a call today at 617-389-8440 or fill out a contact form on our website.