By creating a continuous protective layer between steel and the environment, zinc coatings play a vital role in preventing corrosion and extending asset lifespan
Corrosion is a significant threat to the integrity of steel structures, resulting in major maintenance and replacement costs across industry sectors. One of the primary ways zinc coatings combat corrosion is through what is known as barrier protection.
Barrier protection refers to the ability of a zinc coating to form a continuous metallic layer that separates steel from the surrounding environment. By preventing moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive elements from reaching the steel surface, the coating helps stop rust before it can begin.
A durable protective barrier
Barrier protection forms an important part of zinc’s effectiveness as a corrosion-control solution. “Zinc coatings create a durable protective barrier between steel and the environment. Of course, one must also take the galvanic protection offered by zinc into consideration as this is a key component of its anti-corrosion protection role,” explains Simon Norton, Director of the International Zinc Association (IZA) Africa.
By limiting contact with moisture and other corrosive agents, the coating helps extend the service life of steel assets across a wide range of applications. Barrier protection is used in numerous zinc coated products, for example zinc rich paints, zinc thermal spray and hot dip galvanizing of steel.
This includes galvanised steel employed in construction, transportation, utilities, and industrial infrastructure. The effectiveness of the barrier depends on the integrity of the coating. When properly applied and maintained, zinc coatings can provide years of reliable protection even in demanding environments. Add an organic coating over the zinc coating and a duplex coating system is created which is hugely protective against a corrosive environment and provides years of life.
An additional level of protection
Importantly, zinc offers an additional level of protection beyond the barrier itself. Should the coating become damaged, zinc can continue protecting exposed steel through cathodic sacrificial action, helping to reduce the risk of corrosion spreading. As industries continue to prioritise durability, sustainability and lifecycle performance, zinc coatings remain one of the most effective solutions for protecting steel against corrosion.
“Zinc is unique because it provides multiple layers of protection,” adds Norton. “Barrier protection is the first line of defence, while zinc’s cathodic sacrificial properties offer additional security if the coating is compromised,” he concludes.
Ends
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Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this news article, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the International Zinc Association link to view the company’s press office.
About the International Zinc Association (IZA)
The IZA is the only global industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users. Operating internationally and locally in Africa through the IZA Africa Desk, the IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and zinc as essential in human health and crop nutrition. IZA’s main programmes are Zinc Use Research, Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Market Development and technical Communications.
In South Africa, the IZA plays a vital role in establishing the basis for the successful growth of the zinc industry by increasing awareness of zinc and its applications and benefits in key sectors and markets.
International Zinc Association Contact
Simon Norton
Director
IZA Africa
Phone: (021) 788 9980
Cell: 082 831 2924
Email: zinc@iafrica.com
Web: www.zinc.org
Media Contact
Andile Mbethe
Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Cell: 073 565 6536
Email: andile@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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