The article presented the results of tests determining the synergistic effect of Al, Ni, and Pb additions on a zinc bath on the structure and corrosion resistance of coatings obtained on low silicon steel. Analyzed coatings were produced on S235JRG2 steel with Si content of 0.02 mass%. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was compared with the corrosion resistance of the coating obtained in the "pure" zinc bath. Structure at high magnifications (SEM) was determined, as well as coating thickness and chemical composition in microspheres. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was established comparatively in standard corrosion tests in neutral salt spray and a humid atmosphere containing SO2. It was found that the addition of Pb to the zinc bath reduced the corrosion resistance of the coatings. In the coating structure obtained in the Zn-AlNiPb bath, lead precipitation was observed in both the outer layer and the intermediate layer of the coating. Grain boundaries were the preferred site for lead precipitation. The presence of Pb precipitates favored conditions for the creation of additional corrosion cells, which led to a decrease in the corrosion resistance of the coatings.

The article presents the results of research on the application of innovative thermal diffusion zinc coating technology with the recirculation of the reactive atmosphere to high-strength grade 10.9 bolts. The innovation of this method consists in the introduction of reactive atmosphere recirculation and the application of coating powder mix which contains zinc powder and activator. Recirculation of the reactive atmosphere ensures its uniform composition, while the presence of an activator intensifies the process of saturating steel surface with zinc, which boosts the efficiency of active agents. Coatings were created at 440 °C and a heat soaking time of 30–240 min. Coating structure (SEM) was exposed, chemical composition in microsites (EDS) was defined, and coating phase structure (XRD) was identified. The kinetics of coating growth were defined. It was found that the increment of coating thickness was controlled by square root of soaking time. Coatings obtained using innovative thermal diffusion zinc coating technology had a two-layer structure. At the substrate, a compact layer of phase Γ1 (Fe11Zn40) was created, which was covered with a layer of phase δ1 (FeZn10). The new method of thermal diffusion zinc coating will alow for the creation of coatings of very good corrosion resistance while maintaining strength properties of bolts defined as strength class 10.9.

Obtaining zinc coatings by the batch hot-dip galvanizing process currently represents one of the most effective and economical methods of protecting steel products and structures against corrosion. The batch hot-dip galvanizing process has been used for over 150 years, but for several decades, there has been a dynamic development of this technology, the purpose of which is to improve the efficiency of zinc use and reduce its consumption and improve the quality of the coating. The appropriate selection of the chemical composition of the galvanizing bath enables us to control the reactivity of steel, improve the drainage of liquid zinc from the product surface, and reduce the amount of waste, which directly affects the quality of the coating and the technology of the galvanizing process. For this purpose, the effect of many alloying additives to the zinc bath on the structure and thickness of the coating was tested. The article reviews the influence of various elements introduced into the bath individually and in different configurations, discusses the positive and negative effects of their influence on the galvanizing process. The current development in the field of the chemical composition of galvanizing baths is also presented and the best-used solutions for the selection and management of the chemical composition of the bath are indicated.

In this paper the current knowledge about the influence of alloy additions used in galvanizing baths has been analysed. The optimum concentration of Al, Ni and Pb addition has been established. Tests have been conducted to determine the synergistic influence of the addition of AlNiPb in a zinc bath upon the structure and growth kinetics of coatings. The structure and the chemical composition of coatings obtained on steel with low silicon contents and on Sandelin steel have been developed. It has been determined that the synergistic influence of the AlNiPb addition effectively lowers the reactivity of Sandelin steel and it improves zincs flowing off the product surface which results in decreased zinc consumption and better appearance of the coating. The structure of coatings obtained in a Zn-AlNiPb bath on Sandelin steel is similar to the structure of coatings obtained on low-silicon steel.

The article examines the impact of the addition of Al, Ni, and Bi to a zinc bath on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of hot dip galvanizing coatings. The microstructure on the surface and the cross-section of the coatings obtained in the Zn-AlNiBi bath were examined. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was assessed by the standard neutral salt spray test (EN ISO 9227), the sulfur dioxide test in a humid atmosphere (EN ISO 6988), and the electrochemical test. The corrosion resistance of Zn-AlNiBi coatings was compared with the corrosion resistance of coatings attained in the bath of “pure” zinc. The corrosion tests showed higher corrosion wear of the coating obtained in the Zn-AlNiBi bath and a higher value of the corrosion current density for this coating. It was found that the cause of the reduction of the corrosion resistance of the coating, in contrast to the coating obtained in the “pure” zinc bath, may be the presence of bismuth precipitates in the coating, which may form additional corrosion cells.

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This article presents the history of zinc, its production and demand. The quantity of zinc production, both primary zinc from ores and concentrates, and secondary zinc from scrap and zinc-rich waste, was discussed. A comprehensive economic analysis covers zinc prices in the years 1960–2021. The basic methods of obtaining zinc from ores, including pyrometallurgical (Imperial Smelting Process ISP, Kivcet, Ausmelt) and hydrometallurgical (roasting–leaching–electrowinning RLE, atmospheric direct leaching ADL, Engitec Zinc Extraction EZINEX, zinc pressure leach) and their short characteristics, are presented. The global zinc market and the main areas of its application were analyzed. Technologies used for the recovery of zinc from scrap are discussed along with their characteristics. Galvanized steel is the main source of secondary zinc, both in the galvanizing process and in the remelting of galvanized steel. It can be easily recycled with other scrap steel in the electric arc furnace (EAF) for steel production. Currently, with high volatility in the price of zinc, as well as its natural resources in the earth’s crust, recycling is an important activity, despite the fact that zinc concentrates have a relatively constant chemical composition, while the resulting zinc waste contains zinc in varying amounts.

The paper presents results of studies on the impact of bismuth and tin additions to the Zn-AlNi bath on microstructure and corrosion resistance of hot dip galvanizig coatings. The structure at high magnifications on the top surface and cross-section of coatings received in the Zn-AlNiBiSn bath was revealed and the microanalysis EDS (energy dispersion spectroscopy) of chemical composition was determined. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was tested relatively in a neutral salt spray test (NSS), and tests in a humid atmosphere containing SO2. Electrochemical parameters of coatings corrosion were determined. It was found that Zn-AlNiBiSn coatings show lower corrosion resistance in comparison with the coatings received in the Zn-AlNi bath without Sn and Bi alloying additions. Structural research has shown the existence of precipitations of Sn-Bi alloy in the coating. It was found that Sn-Bi precipitations have more electropositive potential in relation to zinc, which promotes the formation of additional corrosion cells.