Real time synchrotron analysis of the initial stages of the galvanization process in Al containing Zn baths

A real time synchrotron analysis of the breakdown of the inhibition effect of the Fe 2 Al 5 layer is reported. Both δ and δ−ζ Fe-Zn phases grow simultaneously when inhibition is suppressed until the Zn layer is consummated. Then the δ phase grows at the expense of the δ−ζ phase. The same mechanism is observed both below and above the Zn melting point. Phase transformations kinetics obey an Arrhenius type law that is not affected by the liquid or solid state of the Zn layer.