What Is Galvanizing?

Galvanizing is one of the most widely used methods for protecting steel from corrosion and rust. The galvanizing process generally involves applying the zinc coating to the base metal, helping to prevent the base metal from the rust and corrosion.

Why Galvanizing the Steel?

The simple reason for galvanizing the steel is to give the base metal the anti-corrosion properties. For example, naked steel without any protection would remain exposed to the outer environment and potentially oxidize and corrode much faster. Galvanized Steel, which is the product through the galvanizing process, is a cost-effective alternative to construction materials such as stainless steel or aluminum.

How Does Galvanizing Work?

Galvanizing can protect metal in a number of ways.

#1 Galvanizing creates a protective coating that shields the metal from the surrounding environment. The layer of zinc prevents water and moisture and other elements in the air from corroding the steel underneath. Should the zinc coating be scratched deep enough, the metal would become exposed and susceptible to corrosion.

#2 Galvanizing can also protect metal through a process called “galvanic corrosion”. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two metals of a different electrochemical are placed into contact with one another with an electrolyte present (such as salty water). Due to the atomic structure of the two different metals, one metal is called the anode and the other is called the cathode. These two kinds of metal wouldn’t corrode much quick when they are placed respectively. But when the “galvanic corrosion” happens, the anode will sacrifice to slower the corrosion rate of the cathode. The reason zinc is used for galvanizing is that it has an affinity towards being the anode when in contact with many other types of metals. Since the zinc coating in contact with the base metal is usually the anode, it sacrifices to slow the corrosion rate of the base metal or the cathode.