Zinc transfer from galvanized wire to AlSl 316 stainless steel at 550°C

Abstract

At 550°C zinc from galvanized wire in contact with stainless steel was found to transfer to the steel, forming a layer rich in zinc and nickel corresponding approximately to a composition Zn3Ni, with an associated nickel-depleted zone. Cracking of this zone occurred allowing fast zinc penetration to areas still rich in nickel and leading to the formation of further zinc-nickel and nickel-depleted layers. The depth of zinc penetration into the steel was thus limited by the quantity of zinc available. Zinc contamination led to a loss in ambient temperature tensile ductility. Ductility at 500°C was not affected and a slight loss in tensile strength at both temperatures could be attributed to a loss in cross section through cracking of the zinc-nickel layers.