Degradation behavior of mechanical properties of galvanized steel exposed to the wind and sand environment

Abstract In this work, the degradation of mechanical properties of galvanized steel under wind and sand erosion environment was studied. The law of weight loss of galvanized steel in corrosive environment was studied by accelerated corrosion experiment. The micro‐morphology and formation mechanism of corrosion products were investigated in detail by scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction, respectively. In addition, the mechanical properties of galvanized steel such as elastic modulus, yield strength, ultimate strength and elongation were investigated in detail. The results show that the weight loss rate of the zinc layer on the surface of galvanized steel follows an exponential function. Without the protection of the zinc layer, the mechanical properties of the steel will decrease quickly. Therefore, a zinc layer on the steel is necessary. Besides, it is necessary to strengthen the hot‐dip galvanizing treatment on galvanized steel. This work provides a valuable reference for the corrosion behavior and protection measures of galvanized steel in the wind and sand environment.