The effect of alloying elements on the crystallization behaviour and on the properties of galvanized coatings

Abstract The influence of the alloying elements on the interface reactions of zinc coatings during the galvanization process was examined. These reactions affect the crystallization and the structure and properties of the outer layer of the coatings. Depending on the type and concentration of the alloying additions in the galvanizing bath differences were induced in the crystallization process of the Fe‐Zn phases. It was found that both the concentration and the distribution of the alloying elements played an important role in the growth of the phases. The formation of the phases and the distribution of the alloying elements in the coatings were determined using X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) associated with an Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Finally the behaviour of the galvanized coatings was examined under accelerated salt spray corrosion conditions. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)