Galvanic Corrosion of Zinc and Its Alloys

Theoretical and practical information on galvanic corrosion of zinc and its alloys, coupled to other metals, particularly steel, is organized and presented, along with a conceptual and elemental analysis of galvanic coupling between zinc and steel. Various factors which may play roles in galvanic action between zinc and coupled metals are systematically discussed. The principles and practical applications of galvanic protection for steel by zinc coatings, zinc anodes, zinc‐rich paints, and other means are also reviewed. Galvanic corrosion of zinc as well as galvanic corrosion of steel are essentially determined by chemical and electrochemical processes in the system, which is a function of the electrode potentials, reactions involved, metallurgical properties, of the materials, surface conditions, electrolytic properties, and geometric arrangement.