Galvanising is kind on the environment
Article Type: Methods From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 57, Issue 4
Galvanising is an effective and sustainable process which can make a massive contribution to environmental performance in the construction industry (Figure 2).
Zinc is one of the commonest natural components of the Earth’s crust; it is completely non-toxic and occurs naturally in soil, air, water and the biosphere, making it an essential element in the health of all living organisms. The use of zinc in galvanising has a positive effect on the environment, with less than 1 percent of atmospheric zinc originating from man’s activities– the rest being produced from nature.
A zinc coating prolongs steel’s durability and requires no maintenance. And with diminishing levels of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere galvanising now lasts longer than ever before – 50+ years is now common place.
With zinc being 100 percent recyclable, it can be re-used indefinitely without loss of physical or chemical properties, while latest research indicates the outstanding life cycle costing attractions of structures and components that have been galvanised.
For the Medway Galvanising guide to galvanising engineering components and structures visit: www.medgalv.co.uk
