It is known that the corrosion resistance of the materials has a significant impact on the durability of the structure. This is particularly relevant for building structures that are in contact with environment. Industrial environment, humidity, precipitations – all of these adversely affect their condition.
In foreign practice, a more efficient type of corrosion resistant coating – AlZn coating containing 55% of aluminium – has been extensively used in construction for over 30 years. The commercial name of this coating if Aluzinc (Galvalume). This coating consists of 55% aluminium, 43.4% zinc and 1.6% silicon. It allows interacting perfectly with the steel base and ensures a combination of different corrosion protection techniques – the protective properties of zinc and resistance to external effects of aluminium. Aluminium protects the steel base by creating a protective layer between the surface and the atmosphere. This aluminium barrier is very strong and stable, as the alumina layer formed on the surface is not soluble regardless of the environment, thus guaranteeing corrosion resistance for a long time. Zinc provides the same protection as galvanized steel when steel is vulnerable or bare (accidental cuts and scratches). In fact, what is exposed to corrosion, is zinc and not steel. Due to large aluminium content, Aluzinc creates a solid physical barrier on the surface.
Outdoor tests showed that after 30 years of operation in different environmental conditions no rust traces appeared on the material. High corrosion resistance allows to use the products with Aluzinc coating on the roofs with the slope angle of less than 5 degrees.
From the point of view of heat resistance Aluzinc has the advantage of metal coating, it does not emit toxic fumes, does not combust or ignite. Aluzinc is also a good basis for polymer coating or further colouring.
The main areas of application of steel sheets with Aluzinc coating are the following:
The use of steel sheets with Aluzinc coating in construction allows to combine attractive product appearance and long service life.
Another promising aluminium-containing coating is the coating with the commercial name of Galfan. Steel sheets of this coating are predominantly used abroad for the production of household appliances as well as for road construction: street light stanchions, roadblocks, etc. – anything that is produced by mould forming and bending.
Unfortunately, these types of coatings are practically inexistent in Russia.
If you are ready to use steel sheets with aluminium-containing coatings in your designs, please send your wishes indicating potential amounts to the e-mail: info@aluminas.ru
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