The history of galvanized steel coils

Introduce you to the manufacturing process and advantages of galvanized steel coils, and share a story of this technology and the history of galvanized steel coils.

In the world of metal and steel delivery, galvanized steel coil is an item that customers encounter more often than most others. What kind of steel is it? What is the difference between cold rolled thin galvanized steel coil and hot rolled galvanized steel coil? What is polymer coated galvanized steel? Where are these types of popular galvanized steel coil products used? We are ready to introduce you to the manufacturing process of galvanized steel coil, its results and advantages, and to share a very interesting invention story of this technology and the history of galvanized steel coils.

galvanized steel coils

The history of galvanized steel coils

First of all, to put it simply, the galvanizing process refers to the process of applying a zinc protective coating to metal products, especially metal products made of steel and other iron alloys. The manufacturing process of galvanized steel coil is used to prevent rust on the base material and to ensure that it is protected from the weather for a long time. Zinc is the most widely used material to protect steel products from corrosion; more than 40% of zinc worldwide is used for this purpose. Zinc coatings are applied to plates and profiles, machine parts, fasteners, pipes and other items. In general, the history of galvanized steel coils is closely related to the history of zinc: 2500 years ago, alloy embroidery with a zinc content of up to 80% was used. Brass-an alloy that combines copper and zinc-dates back to at least the 10th century BC. Pure zinc was first obtained in 1738. The first officially recognized step towards the popular galvanized steel coil products was completed by the French chemist PG Melvin. That is chemistry, it seems that it is not far from alchemy. Dip pure iron into a container with molten zinc, and with the wand wave, obtain a sparkling silver coating. The scientist submitted a 20-page report to the Royal Academy of Sciences in 1742. Melvin's invention quickly aroused the interest of the scientific community. First, manufacturers began to use molten zinc as an inexpensive protective coating for household products. As early as the second half of the 18th century, the manufacturing process of galvanized steel coil has been widely used in some areas of France.

Began to use galvanized steel coils extensively

In 1824, Sir Humphrey Davy of England hypothesized that it could be protected by fixing iron or zinc plates to the copper bottoms of wooden naval ships. Mr. Henry Palmer from the London Dock Company was the inventor of the monorail and a pioneer in the development of elevated railways. In 1829, he obtained the patent for "cutting or corrugated metal sheet". Later, his invention will have a significant impact on industrial design and galvanizing. From here, there has been a short jump in the history of galvanized steel coils, but we will talk about them later. In 1836, the French company Sorel obtained a patent for the manufacturing process of galvanized steel coils. In this way, nearly a hundred years later, the French chemist Melvin's invention became a reality in the commercial field. In 1837, politician and businessman William Crawford (William Crawford) obtained a British patent for galvanizing. The Royal Navy Pier in Pembroke, England is believed to be the first infrastructure object to use galvanized steel coils during construction in 1844. By 1850, British industry used up to 10,000 tons of zinc each year for popular galvanized steel coil products. In 1883, they opened the Brooklyn Bridge in New York-one of the most famous and oldest suspension bridges in the world-and has been operating successfully and intensively to this day. Galvanized rope with a total length of 14,600 miles was first used to construct the object.

galvanized steel coils

What makes galvanized steel corrosion resistant?

Carbon steel needs to be protected because it will corrode in almost all open environments. The ability of zinc to protect steel from corrosion is one of its most important properties. No other metal can ensure such practical and cost-effective protection for steel and its structure. Basically, the zinc layer protects the steel in two ways. First, it acts as a physical barrier by forming an impermeable metal protection to prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the steel base. The zinc coating then reacts with the atmosphere to form a thin and strong oxide film on the surface to prevent further oxidation. Long-term studies have shown that in the history of galvanized steel coils, the life of this barrier protection is proportional to the thickness of the zinc coating. In other words, doubling the coating thickness will double the life of the coating. Secondly, galvanizing provides electrochemical protection for popular galvanized steel coil products. The fact is, of course, the zinc coating is very strong, but not permanent. Therefore, it is obvious that galvanized metal will be damaged in various ways during maintenance. In this case, the bare steel where the zinc coating is damaged begins to be exposed to moisture and air. The trick is that the zinc around the damaged area also begins to corrode, but the corrosion rate is faster than steel. This is why zinc corrosion products precipitate on the surface of galvanized steel coils, close to the metal to resist atmospheric influences, protect it and thus prevent corrosion. In poetic terms, the manufacturing process of galvanized steel coils has become a symbol of "commitment": the zinc coating wears away step by step, but it continues to protect the steel core. This corrosion protection is referred to as "sacrifice" for short.

By the way, if the steel is not coated with zinc, but is coated with another metal with higher electronegativity (such as nickel, chromium or copper), this coating will cause faster corrosion, just like steel completely" "Nudity" is the same. In other words, steel "sacrifices" its structure to support nickel or copper. We should also note that very popular commercial coatings also have anti-corrosion functions. However, it should be painted directly during the manufacturing process of popular galvanized steel coil products or after damage. Otherwise, the steel under the paint film will corrode until the surface is completely destroyed.

Siyoute specializes in providing galvanized steel coils manufactured by various galvanizing processes. If you want to know more about the history of galvanized steel coils, please continue to pay attention to the official website of siyoute. We will update relevant popular galvanized steel coil products from time to time, and provide relevant product information and materials, and look forward to your visit and consultation.

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