What is the process called when a thin layer of zinc is applied to iron or steel to protect against rusting and mechanical damage?

What is the process called when a thin layer of zinc is applied to iron or steel to protect against rusting and mechanical damage?

• A. Galvanising
• B. Electroplating
• C. Die Casting
• D. Grinding

Answer: (A)

Galvanizing involves applying a zinc coating to iron or steel to protect against rust and mechanical damage. The zinc layer acts as a barrier to moisture and air, and it also serves as a sacrificial anode that corrodes in preference to the steel, so even if the coating is scratched, the metal underneath stays protected. It's commonly done by hot-dip galvanizing, where steel is dipped into molten zinc, though zinc can also be applied by electroplating for a thinner coating. Die casting and grinding are not coating processes for corrosion protection.

Galvanizing involves applying a zinc coating to iron or steel to protect against rust and mechanical damage. The zinc layer acts as a barrier to moisture and air, and it also serves as a sacrificial anode that corrodes in preference to the steel, so even if the coating is scratched, the metal underneath stays protected. It's commonly done by hot-dip galvanizing, where steel is dipped into molten zinc, though zinc can also be applied by electroplating for a thinner coating. Die casting and grinding are not coating processes for corrosion protection.