Selective Oxidation Behavior of Medium Manganese Steel in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Process

Abstract

Surface oxides of medium manganese steel treated under different hot-dip galvanizing processes were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer techniques. Combined with thermodynamic calculation, the effects of dew point and alloying elements on the formation of oxides were investigated. It was shown that many oxides such as Cr2O3 and Al2O3, which deteriorate galvanizing performance largely, were formed at lower dew point, and that the formation of Cr and Al oxides could be effectively inhibited at higher dew point. It was also shown that the formation of MnO could be controlled by regulating the rate of Al/Mn in the composition of experimental steel, thus reducing the surface defect.