The principle of hot-dip galvanizing

When a steel component is immersed in molten zinc, a solid solution of zinc and iron first forms at the interface, which is a process of dissolution and diffusion of zinc into the iron matrix. As zinc continues to penetrate, iron and zinc further react to form the intermetallic compound FeZn13, which sinks to the bottom of the pot and forms zinc slag. Meanwhile, a layer of pure zinc forms on the surface of the steel component, which crystallizes and solidifies upon cooling, forming a complete galvanized zinc coating.