ժҪ While the thick growth of intermediate phase layers generally benefits the corrosion resistance of galvanized steels, it is unfavourable from the standpoints of mechanical integrity and economics. The present study investigates the role of nickel chloride-base fluxes, in relation to the typical zinc-ammonium chloride flux, in the reduction of galvanized coatings' thickness and the effect on coatings' morphology and compositions. The investigation of pretreated galvanized steel specimens hot-dipped for various durations has verified that nickel chloride fluxes influence the growth rate of the zeta interlayer. This results in the overall-reduction of the coating thickness by as much as two times compared to those prepared with the conventional flux. Nickel from the fluxes gradually diffuse away from the substrate's surface, and hence the initial concentration of the nickel salts along with the hot-dip duration need to be controlled appropriately for effective use of nickel chloride-base fluxes in the galvanizing process.
Abstract��While the thick growth of intermediate phase layers generally benefits the corrosion resistance of galvanized steels, it is unfavourable from the standpoints of mechanical integrity and economics. The present study investigates the role of nickel chloride-base fluxes, in relation to the typical zinc-ammonium chloride flux, in the reduction of galvanized coatings' thickness and the effect on coatings' morphology and compositions. The investigation of pretreated galvanized steel specimens hot-dipped for various durations has verified that nickel chloride fluxes influence the growth rate of the zeta interlayer. This results in the overall-reduction of the coating thickness by as much as two times compared to those prepared with the conventional flux. Nickel from the fluxes gradually diffuse away from the substrate's surface, and hence the initial concentration of the nickel salts along with the hot-dip duration need to be controlled appropriately for effective use of nickel chloride-base fluxes in the galvanizing process.
2010, Vol. 17 
