Question

Explain why iron sheets are coated with zinc during galvanizing.

Answer 1

We must understand that galvanization, also known as galvanising, is the process of adding a protective zinc coating to prevent rusting. The most prevalent process is hot-dip galvanising, which involves immersing the components in molten hot zinc.

Complete answer:
Galvanization is one of the ways for preventing rust. We can cover iron (or) steel things with a thin coating of zinc. This may prevent oxygen and water from reaching the metal beneath. Zinc may also be used as a sacrificial metal. When compared to iron, we know that zinc is more reactive. As a result, as compared to iron, zinc oxidises the item first. We also know that when iron and wet air come into contact, they react and create rust, which is a brown coloured powder. Iron corrodes other metals. As a result, we may use zinc to coat iron sheets to keep them from rusting.
Other reasons for coating iron with zinc metal include:
The zinc coating prevents corrosive chemicals from reaching the underlying steel or iron when it is intact. Zinc protects iron by corroding it. Application of chromates over zinc is viewed as an industrial trend for effective results. Protection might be maintained as long as there is zinc close enough to be electrically linked when the underlying metal becomes explosive. Localized corrosion of the base metal might occur in the immediate region after zinc is consumed. Zinc metal covers iron sheets during galvanising.

Note:
We must understand that galvanised steel may endure for decades provided other precautions, such as paint coatings and extra sacrificial anodes, are taken. Sulfur dioxide levels in the air play a major role in the rate of corrosion in non-salty settings. Steel frames made of hot dip galvanised steel may be used as a basic construction material for steel frame structures.