Abstract
Hot-dip galvanizing process is used widely in industry to achieve corrosion resistant coatings. Poor drainage during this process often leads to problems such as icicle formation and bridging In this work, mild steel specimens were hot-dip galvanized. Influence of the addition of bismuth, aluminum and both (bismuth and aluminum) to the zinc bath on the zinc drainage were determined. Bismuth additions improved the drainage significantly. Zinc bath containing 0.1 wt.% Bi and 0.025∼0.05 wt.% Al showed uniformity of coatings. Industrial trials with this bath composition showed reduction in zinc consumption, reduction of ash and dross, and good luster of workpiece.