Galvanized metal

Description

A thin metallic layer added to the surface of another metal for corrosion protection. Iron, Steel, and Tin are galvanized with Zinc. Since zinc is a less noble metal, it provides a sacrificial coating that is preferentially attacked. The coatings are usually applied by electrodeposition or by dipping the metal form into molten zinc. Electroplated coatings usually provide a higher quality, more uniform coating layer that is less likely to flake. The dipping technique for coating iron with zinc was first used by Melouin in 1741. Galvanizing may protect outdoor metal pieces from atmospheric corrosion for 15 to 30 years or more. The degree of protection is directly proportional to the coating thickness and uniformity.

Synonyms and Related Terms

métal galvanisé (Fr.); metal galvanizado (Esp.); gegalvaniseerd metaal (Ned.); metal galvanizado (Port.)

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "galvanizing" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed October 18, 2001].

• R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966 Comment: Meluoin in 1741

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996