Galvanization of metal by own hands: basic methods

Metal products are corroded during operation. As a protection against this is galvanized metal. The technology of such processing at home is quite affordable. It is important to choose the right treatment option.

What is galvanizing?

All metal elements are subjected to more or less corrosive processes. Without this, you can not do. And this process can only be postponed. Zinc treatment is used for this purpose. This choice of substance is not accidental. The choice is made on the basis of the characteristics of the two components: steel and zinc. Zinc has a more electronegative charge than steel. When a zinc coating is applied to metal products, a galvanic bond is formed between the metal and zinc. Due to this, under the influence of external environmental factors, zinc enters the reaction. Chemical reactions involving steel are slowing down. And this will continue until the zinc coating is completely destroyed.

In cases where the zinc coating disintegrates, the protection continues to function. This is due to the fact that zinc reacts with oxygen in the air. As a result of chemical processes, zinc hydroxide is formed. And this substance also has protective properties. Thus, the galvanizing of the metal continues to work.

Methods of galvanizing

Zinc plating of metal products is the most popular way to combat corrosion. This is due to the ratio of a high score as a result of testing and affordable cost. The following methods of galvanizing metal are used:

• Cold;
• Hot;
• Galvanic;
• Thermodiffusion;
• Gas-thermal.

To choose the most suitable option for yourself, you must first analyze the conditions in which the product will be used in the future. The quality of the zinc coating depends on the thickness of the coating, the time and temperature of the protection. Galvanization of metal by own hands is possible only in two ways: cold and galvanic. It is worth noting that the durability of the part treated in this way will depend on the operating conditions. The zinc layer is easily subjected to mechanical influences.

Hot way

Hot galvanizing of metal is the most practical option. To process the surface of the product, chemical reagents are used. With their help, the metal is prepared for the main part of the process. It is because of this that an environmental problem arises. Zinc is used for the process. The prepared product is simply lowered into a bath with molten zinc.

This process requires special equipment. Therefore, this method is not suitable for galvanizing metal at home.

Thermodiffusion method

Galvanization of metal by this method assumes the penetration of zinc atoms into the structure of a metal product with the formation of an iron-zinc alloy with a complex structure. The whole process occurs at very high temperatures. At a temperature of more than 2600 degrees, zinc passes into a gaseous state. The enclosed space, where the metal products are located, is filled with zinc-containing powder. A method suitable for applying a layer whose thickness exceeds 15 μm is suitable. The resulting protective coating in terms of stability can be compared to a layer applied by the hot method. Because of the need to create certain conditions, the method is not suitable for self-implementation.

Gasothermic method

With this method, the zinc, which is in the form of a powder, is sprayed onto the surface of the metal products by the air stream. Before spraying, the substance melts at the expense of high temperature and already in such a state falls on the parts. Galvanizing metal in a similar way is characteristic for those cases when metal products have large dimensions.

A feature of the method is that the protective layer has a large number of pores. To fill them, the product is covered with paint and varnish materials. This layer of two materials can survive for 30 years. This method can not be implemented at home.

Cold galvanizing at home

There is also a galvanizing cold. Galvanizing metal in this way implies the application of zinc in the form of a paint on the metal product. Manufacturers offer a wide range of these tools. And the main indicators of the compositions (for example, the mass fraction of zinc in the substance) can differ greatly from each other. It becomes clear that the effect of the treatment will also be different.

The means for galvanizing have a number of features. Some require a high quality preparation of the product. The second have low adhesion abilities, because of which, after drying, they begin to flake off. Still others after application are covered with a "cobweb" of cracks. The fourth can work together only with solvents of a particular kind. Fifth require the application of special equipment.

This tool is two-component. Therefore, before application, two substances (powder and binder) must be mixed together. Do this in a ratio of 3 to 1 or 1 to 1. The whole process should be carried out only under certain conditions. The air temperature should be positive and be between 5 and 40 degrees. At the same time, the humidity of the air is 30 to 98%. The room in which the process is carried out must have good ventilation. After work, it must be thoroughly ventilated. The agent is applied in two layers at intervals of approximately 30 minutes. After a day, the product can be coated with paint and varnish. When carrying out galvanizing, observe the safety regulations. All works are carried out with the use of personal protective equipment.

Galvanic method

Galvanized metal at home can be galvanized. To do this, the product must first be cleaned. After that, the part is lowered for a few seconds (from 2 to 10) into sulfuric acid. After that, the product is washed in water. This prepares for anodization is completed. For installation under the galvanizing it is necessary to choose dishes from inert materials, for example, glass. The tare is selected in such a way that the part with the electrode fixed on it fits there.

The current source will be a charger for 6-12 V and 2-6 A. Next, an electrolyte is prepared - a solution of any salt that is soluble in water. In practice, it is better to take the salt of zinc. You can take dilute sulfuric acid (as in the battery) and add zinc there. As a result of the chemical reaction, the acid will turn into an insoluble salt and precipitate. And zinc will remain in solution. The sediment should be removed by simply decanting the solution.

The zinc electrode is made from a piece of zinc fixed on a copper wire. From the charger "minus" leads to the details, and "plus" - to zinc. Thus, the zinc electrode will dissolve, and all zinc atoms will settle on the parts.

Conclusion

Galvanizing metal at home is a very real process. To implement it you will need to purchase some materials. For example, a zinc-based paint for a cold method or a piece of zinc for galvanic. By the way, zinc can be purchased at any point of reception of scrap metal.