Characterization of hot-dip galvanized coating on dual phase steels

This work explored the microstructure of continuous hot-dip galvanized zinc coating on two dual phase steels, focusing on the sample preparation methods for cross-sectional microstructure and Fe–Al intermetallic compound observation. Based on the microstructure revealed by proper method, we established a relationship between the annealing atmosphere and coating microstructure. The experimental results showed that the coating thickness and Fe–Al intermetallic compoundʹs size are relevant to the annealing atmosphere. And the coexistence of Fe–Al intermetallic compound and Fe–Zn phase has proved indirectly that the aluminothermic reduction is working during hot-dip galvanizing.