How Saltwater Affects Corrosion on Galvanized Steel
- Galvanized steel used in oceanographic applications has both supporters and protesters. The Brookhaven National Laboratory notes that galvanized steel will rust rapidly in saltwater, necessitating replacement in a few months. However, the American Galvanizers Association states that galvanized steel will last about 12 years in saltwater, depending on placement.
- Temperature has great effects on the zinc in galvanized steel. Sea water varies in temperature, and problems with galvanized steel can arise when using it in warmer waters near the equator. This is because high temperatures cause zinc to degenerate, which leads to the steel being exposed to saltwater.
- In the tidal zone, or surface of seawater, zinc can erode from the galvanized steel, exposing the steel to saltwater. This is typically the reason for base steel corrosion.