ACTIVE AND PASSIVE PROTECTION
When two different metals come in contact with each other in presence of an electrolyte (e.g. water), they form a galvanic cell in which the lesser noble metal (e.g. Zn) corrodes in favour of the more noble metal (e.g. steel). This electrochemical reaction is the base for the complex field that is cathodic protection.
Galvanic, cathodic protection, or active protection, arises from zinc (the anode) sacrificing itself in favour of the base metal -steel (the cathode) with the resulting flow of electrons preventing steel corrosion. In this way the protection of the metal is guaranteed, even when the zinc layer is slightly damaged.
Other well-established methods of cathodic protection include hot-dip galvanising (HDG) and zinc thermal spraying, both of which exhibit a constant sacrificial rate of the zinc layer.
ACTIVE GALVANIC PROTECTION
The zinc in ZINGA (anode) sacrifices itself, protecting the steel beneath in a comparable and even better way than hot-dip galvanising.
Upon impact, the electron flow resulting from a potential difference between the zinc and steel will prevent the steel from corroding.
PASSIVE BARRIER PROTECTION
As the ZINGA oxidises, a layer of zinc salts slowly builds up on the ZINGA surface, closing the film and enhancing the barrier effect of the coating. Next to this, a supplementary barrier protection is provided by the binder in ZINGA. The binder reduces the depletion of the zinc, providing a long lasting active protection.
