Alvanisatie

Alvanisatie is a French term referring to the process of galvanizing, which is a method of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting. This coating is typically applied through a hot-dip process where the metal is immersed in a bath of molten zinc. The zinc forms a metallurgical bond with the base metal, creating a durable barrier.

The galvanization process involves several steps. First, the metal is cleaned to remove any grease, oil, or dirt. This is usually followed by an acid pickling to remove mill scale and rust. The metal is then fluxed, which helps to ensure that the molten zinc adheres properly to the surface. Finally, the cleaned and fluxed metal is dipped into the molten zinc bath at a controlled temperature.

Galvanized steel is widely used in construction, automotive manufacturing, and for outdoor applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance. The zinc coating acts as both a physical barrier and a sacrificial anode, meaning it corrodes preferentially to the base metal, offering enhanced protection even if the coating is scratched. The thickness and uniformity of the zinc coating are critical factors in determining the longevity of the protection.