Influence of strontium on electrochemical corrosion behavior of hot-dip galvanized coating

Hot-dip galvanized coating is generally used to protect steel against corrosion due to cheapness and ease of application. It is beneficial to improve the corrosion resistance of such coatings to enhance its service life. The present work addresses this aspect through modifying the dendritic microstructure of the coating by alloying addition. Based on the property of strontium towards magnesium and aluminum alloys, this work uses this element to effect the microstructural changes in the coating. The study shows that strontium refines the dendritic microstructure of the coating and thereby enhances not only corrosion resistance but also adhesion strength. The optimum adhesion strength and corrosion resistance is achieved for the coating containing 0.02 wt.% strontium.