Abstract
In continuous hot dip galvanizing process, oxide formation on steel surface has an influence on Zn wetting. High strength automotive steel contains high amount of Si and Mn, where Si-Mn composite oxides such as $Mn_2SiO_4$ or $MnSiO_3$ covers the surface after annealing. Zn wetting depends on how the aluminothermia reaction can reduce the Mn-Si composite oxides and then form inhibition layer such as $Fe_2Al_5$ on the steel surface. The outward diffusion of metallic ions such as $Mn^{2+}$, $Si^{2+}$ in the steel matrix is very important factor for the formation of the surface oxides on the steel surface. The surface state and grain boundaries provide an important role for the diffusion and the surface oxide reactions. Some elements such as P, Sb, and B have a strong affinity for the interface precipitation, and it influence the diffusivity of metallic ions on grain boundaries. B oxide forms very rapildly on the steel surface during the annealing, and this promote complex oxides with $SiO_2$ or MnO. P has inter-reacted with other elements on the grain boundaries and influence the diffusion through on them. Small addition of Sb could suppress the decarburization from steel surface and retards the formation of internal and external selective oxides on the steel surface. Interface control by the trace elements such as Sb could be available to improve the Zn wettability during the hot dip galvanizing.