Zinc coatings prevent oxidation of the protected metal by forming a barrier and by acting as a sacrificial anode if this barrier is damaged.
Zinc oxide is a fine white dust that (in contrast to iron oxide) does not cause a breakdown of the substrate’s surface integrity as it is formed.
Indeed, the zinc oxide, if undisturbed, can act as a barrier to further oxidation, in a way similar to the protection afforded to aluminium and stainless steels by their oxide layers. The majority of hardware parts are zinc-plated.
Properties of Zinc
Zinc is a bluish-white, lustrous metal which is hard, crystalline and brittle. The metal is electronegative to iron and gives excellent corrosion resistance.
Zinc is almost always deposited in the fully bright condition where an attractive and corrosion resistant finish is required; this can be subsequently passivated or dyed.
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