The word galvanisation is spelled with a "z" in American English and with an "s" in British English. The IPA transcription for this word is /ɡælvənaɪˈzeɪʃən/. The stress is placed on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "vən". The "g" is pronounced as "ɡ", while the "a" is pronounced as "æ". The "z" or "s" at the end of the word is pronounced as "ʃən". Galvanisation refers to the process of using electric current to coat metal with a protective layer of zinc.
Galvanisation is a process of coating a metal, particularly iron or steel, with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. The term "galvanise" originated from the name of an Italian scientist, Luigi Galvani, who studied the effects of electricity on animal tissues. However, in the context of metal protection, galvanisation does not involve the use of electric currents.
The galvanisation process begins by cleaning the surface of the metal to remove any dirt, grease, or oxides. It is essential to achieve a clean surface to ensure proper adhesion of the zinc coating. Once cleaned, the metal is dipped or sprayed with molten zinc. The zinc bonds with the metal to form a protective layer, which acts as a barrier against moisture, corrosive substances, and atmospheric elements. This protective layer, known as a zinc coating or galvanized layer, prevents rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the metal.
Galvanisation is extensively used in various industries, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing, to enhance the durability and longevity of metal structures and components. It is particularly valuable for outdoor applications or in environments where the metal is exposed to moisture, humidity, or corrosive chemicals. The zinc coating also provides sacrificial protection, sacrificing itself to protect the underlying metal in the event of any damage or scratches. This process has proven to be highly effective in preventing corrosion and maintaining the structural integrity of metal objects, making galvanisation an essential technique in the world of metallurgy.
The word "galvanisation" is derived from the verb "galvanize", which originated from the name of Luigi Galvani, an Italian physician and physicist. In 1780, Galvani discovered that the muscles of dead frogs would contract when struck by an electric spark. His research contributed to the understanding of bioelectricity and the concept of animal electricity. The term "galvanize" was later coined to describe the process of stimulating or reviving with an electric shock, which led to the term "galvanisation" referring to the process of coating metal with a protective layer, typically zinc, to prevent corrosion.