Zinc dust is a superior material for use in cat protection. This product provides long-term protection for metal surfaces. It is available in a single-package option or a two-package system that includes primer and paint.

Preventing Corrosion with Zinc Dust in Industry

In the industrial, manufacturing, and construction sectors, which require high levels of safety, more advanced protection measures are required. Some important technical strategies for preventing corrosion include:

Advanced Coatings

This coating goes beyond simply applying conventional paint. The process utilizes high-quality materials such as Epoxy, Polymer, or Zinc-Rich Coatings (coatings with a high zinc content). The goal is to create a protective layer that can withstand the physical and chemical influences of harsh environments, thereby extending the life of industrial equipment and structures.

Cathodic Protection

Cathodic protection is an electrochemical protection method that is essential for assets with a high corrosion risk, such as underground pipelines, storage tanks, and offshore structures. The main principle is to treat the metal to be protected, such as a steel pipe, as the cathode, thus minimizing corrosion.

Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors are chemical compounds that, when added in limited amounts to various fluids such as air conditioners, process fluids, or steam, can significantly slow corrosion. These substances work by forming a thin protective layer on the metal surface or neutralizing aggressive compounds present in the fluid.

Some commonly used examples are Sodium Silicate and Zinc Phosphate. Furthermore, the use of inhibitors can extend equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.

Effectiveness of Corrosion Prevention

Zinc’s effectiveness in preventing corrosion stems from its ability to act as a physical barrier and cathodic protection. When steel is exposed to water on an edge or scratched area, zinc “sacrifices itself” to fight corrosion. Because it is more electronegative than iron, zinc attracts negative ions from the air, preventing them from attacking the metal.

Cathodic protection plays a crucial role in resisting corrosion because it provides an additional layer. Even when the paint layer is damaged, the rust process does not immediately spread to the damaged area, unlike ordinary paint, which only acts as a barrier between the metal and the corrosion-causing agent.

Zinc can be found naturally or as a result of human activities, such as mining, smelting, coal combustion, metal industrial waste, and soil leaching that flows into air sources. This compound is highly soluble, so its presence in the environment can spread through the air.

Zinc powder can be applied to metal surfaces through thermal spraying. This process can be carried out on a large scale using specialized machines, or more precisely on small areas with a hand-held sprayer. Additionally, metal powder is often used in coatings to strengthen metal joints.

The use of zinc dust is generally considered safe, but caution is still required when handling it. Exposure to certain strong acids or bases can produce hydrogen gas, which poses an explosive risk when exposed to air or a heat source.