What is the principle of hot-dip galvanizing?

When steel components are immersed in molten zinc, a solid solution of zinc and iron first forms at the interface, which is the process of zinc dissolving and diffusing 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. At the same time, a layer of pure zinc forms on the surface of the steel component, which crystallizes and solidifies upon cooling, forming a complete galvanized layer.