zinkijzeren

Zinkijzeren is a Dutch term for iron or steel products that have been coated with zinc to resist corrosion. The coating is most commonly applied to sheets, pipes, nails, wires and other hardware used outdoors or in industrial settings, where exposure to moisture and air would otherwise cause rust.

The zinc coating is typically added by hot-dip galvanizing, in which the metal is immersed in molten zinc, or by electrogalvanizing, which deposits zinc electrochemically. The zinc provides protection in two ways: it forms a barrier that reduces water and oxygen contact with the iron, and it offers sacrificial protection because zinc is more anodic than iron. If the coating is damaged, the exposed zinc still corrodes preferentially, helping to preserve the underlying metal.

Zinkijzeren materials are valued for their durability and low maintenance in outdoor environments. The coating can be smooth or textured, and it can be painted or finished with additional coatings for color or further protection. The coatings enable longer service life for structural members, piping, fasteners and agricultural equipment. They are widely used in construction, roofing, fencing, automotive components, electrical conduits and many consumer and industrial products.

Historically, galvanizing methods were developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the term galvanization deriving from galvanic electricity studies associated with Luigi Galvani. Today, galvanized iron and steel remain common worldwide due to their cost-effectiveness, reliability and ease of fabrication. In Dutch usage, zinkijzeren is often used interchangeably with galvanized iron products.