Cause of Zinc Corrosion

Determining the corrosion rate of zinc in water can be a daunting task. Let’s list the basic elements that cause the corrosion of zinc:

• Soft water is a harsher environment to zinc than is hard water or even cold climate seawater.


• Temperate seawater deposits protective scales on zinc and is less corrosive than tropical sea water.


• High oxygen content and warm waters can increase the corrosion rates of zinc.


• Corrosion of zinc is lowest in the PH range from about 5.5 to 12.5. However, the corrosion of zinc in water is accelerated largely by the impurities present in the water and rarely is natural water pure. Even rainwater, which is distilled by nature, contains nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, as well as acquired airborne impurities such as dust or smoke.


• Anything that disturbs the formation of a protective film on the zinc surface will inhibit the hot-dip galvanized coating from delivering superior corrosion protection. In addition, other factors including time of exposure, temperature, and fluid agitation all influence the corrosion of zinc in water.

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