General Knowledge - Basic General Knowledge - Discussion

Zinc metal is used for galvanising iron because it is more reactive than iron. It reacts with air to form a hard layer of zinc oxide, which prevents air and moisture to come in contact with iron.

Galvanizing is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to iron.

Galvanized iron is iron which has been coated in a layer of zinc to help the metal resist corrosion. Steel can also be galvanized. When metal is going to be used in an environment where corrosion is likely, it is often galvanized so that it will be able to withstand the conditions. Even with galvanization, however, corrosion will eventually start to occur, especially if conditions are acidic.

There are two primary techniques which can be used to make galvanized iron. The most common is hot-dip galvanization, in which the iron is moved through an extremely hot bath of molten zinc, which may be mixed with small amounts of lead, depending on the circumstances. When the iron emerges from the bath, the zinc will have bonded, creating a layer of zinc on the surface of the iron. Sometimes, the metal may be passed through a mill to flatten and even out the coating. Another technique which can be used is electrodeposition, also known as electroplating, although this is rare.

Once galvanized, iron is covered in a layer of zinc which may be shiny to dull gray. The zinc can be painted, if desired, or left plain. Painting is often done when the iron must match other building materials, or when people want to make it less obvious. In the garden, for example, it may be painted green so that it will blend in with foliage instead of standing out.

The term is derived via French from the name of Italian scientist Luigi Galvani. Originally, galvanization was the administration of electric shocks, in the 19th century also termed Faradism.

This sense is the origin of the meaning of the metaphorical use of the verb galvanize, as in galvanize into action, or to stimulate a complacent person or group to take action. The term galvanization has largely come to be associated with zinc coatings, to the exclusion of other metals.

Galvanic paint, a precursor to hot-dip galvanization, was patented by Stanislas Sorel, of Paris, France in December, 1837. The earliest known example of galvanizing of iron is found on 17th century Indian armor in the Royal Armouries Museum collection.

Zinc prevents rusting of iron by process namely galvanization.

Iron is coated with zink to protect corrosion.

Coating iron and steel with zinc.

Galvanizing is a process of provinding a layer of zinc to steel to prevent corrosion and increase the life of steel. Galvanizing process also provides the good appearance to steel.

A coating of zinc is given to metals to prevent it from getting rusted. And this process of coating zinc on to other metals is called galvanisation.

Galvanising is a process of zinc coating on other metals in order to prevent corrosion.