The word "Sherardize" is pronounced as /ˈʃɛrədaɪz/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. This word refers to a process of coating iron or steel with zinc to prevent corrosion. The spelling might seem confusing at first, but it is derived from the name of the inventor of this process, Sherard Cowper-Coles. The word is spelled with a "d" after the "e" in honor of the inventor's name. Knowing the origin of the word can assist in understanding its spelling.
Sherardize is a term that refers to a surface treatment process primarily used for the corrosion protection of metal items. Specifically, it describes the process of applying a diffusion coating of zinc to iron or steel. The name "Sherardize" is derived from its inventor, Sherard Osborn Cowper-Coles, an English engineer.
During the Sherardizing process, the metal item is placed inside a sealed container along with zinc dust or granules. The container is then heated to a specific temperature, typically between 375 and 450 degrees Celsius. As the temperature increases, the zinc gradually vaporizes and diffuses onto the surface of the metal.
The diffusion mechanism in Sherardizing ensures uniform coverage on all exposed surfaces of the metal item, including complex shapes and recesses. This makes it an effective technique for protecting items with intricate geometries that might be challenging for traditional coating methods, such as electroplating or painting.
The zinc layer created through Sherardizing provides excellent corrosion resistance to the treated metal. It forms a durable and adherent coating that acts as a barrier, preventing moisture and corrosive agents from reaching the base metal. Additionally, the diffusion process forms an intermetallic alloy between the zinc and the base metal, further enhancing the adhesion and durability of the coating.
Sherardizing is commonly applied to various metal items in industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing, where corrosion protection is crucial. The process creates a protective coating that extends the lifespan of metal components, ensuring their longevity and reliability.
The word "Sherardize" is derived from the name of its inventor, Charles W. Sherard. He was an American metallurgist who developed a process for corrosion-resistant coating of iron and steel. Sherard patented his method, known as "Sherardizing", in 1900, and it involved zinc diffusion. Sherardizing was named after him to honor his significant contribution to the field of metallurgy. Over time, the verb form "Sherardize" emerged to describe the act of applying a Sherardizing coating onto metal surfaces.