HOW A DUPLEX SYSTEM WORKS

Before deciding how to protect steel from

corrosion, it is important to understand how steel

corrodes. Corrosion takes place because of

differences in electrical potential between small

areas on the steel surface that become anodic and

cathodic. When an electrolyte connects the anodes

to the cathodes, a corrosion cell is created.

Moisture in the air forming condensation on the

steel surface is the most common electrolyte. In

the electrolyte, a small electrical current begins to

flow. The iron ions produced at the anode

combine with the environment to form the loose,

flaky iron oxide known as rust.

In order to protect steel from corrosion,

something must interfere with the corrosion cell,

either by blocking the electrolyte or by becoming

the anode. Two common methods of corrosion

protection are cathodic protection (the formation

of another anode) and barrier protection (blocking

the electrolyte from the steel surface). Hot-dip

galvanizing alone affords both types of protection,

and painting or powder coating over hot-dip galvanizing
adds an additional barrier layer on top of the zinc coating,
thus enhancing the protection afforded to the steel.  Duplex
coatings also offer the element of color to your project,
making it more aesthetically pleasing.

Fortress Fusion Coatings specializes in duplex coatings,
specifically in powder coating over galvanizing.  We
would be happy to discuss your project with you and
answer any questions you may have.

Fortress Fusion Coatings, Inc.
1-800-244-4258
(315) 736-8311
info@whyrust.com
http://www.whypowder.com