Staalgalvanisatie

Staalgalvanisatie, also known as hot-dip galvanizing, is a corrosion protection process for steel. It involves immersing fabricated steel into a bath of molten zinc. Before dipping, the steel undergoes a cleaning process to remove any oil, grease, scale, and rust. This typically includes degreasing, pickling in acid, and a flux coating. The molten zinc then reacts with the iron in the steel to form a metallurgically bonded layer of zinc-iron alloys. This alloy layer is covered by a pure zinc layer on the outside.

The galvanizing process provides a durable and long-lasting protective coating. The zinc layer acts as a barrier, preventing corrosive elements from reaching the steel. Furthermore, zinc provides cathodic protection, meaning that even if the coating is scratched and the steel is exposed, the zinc will corrode preferentially, protecting the steel from rust. This sacrificial protection is a key advantage of galvanization.

The application of staalgalvanisatie is widespread across various industries. It is commonly used for structural steel in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. It is also found in automotive parts, agricultural equipment, street furniture, and electrical towers. The process is relatively cost-effective compared to other long-term corrosion protection methods. The thickness and composition of the zinc coating can be influenced by the steel's surface condition and the galvanizing bath's temperature and composition. The resulting galvanized steel has a characteristic matte gray appearance, though its finish can vary.