Corrosion resistance of zinc-coated structured sheet metals

The purpose of this study is to characterise the corrosion behaviour of zinc-coated sheet metals after a structuring process using the salt spray test. The investigated structured material is manufactured by hydroforming and has a periodic hexagonal geometry. The corrosion behaviour has been evaluated by estimating the development of the corrosion area and penetration depth. The results of the investigation show that the corrosion area is larger on the smooth sheet than on the structured sheet. The difference between the structured and smooth sheets is negligible with increasing exposure time. Furthermore, the reasons for the different corrosion behaviours are discussed.

► The corrosion resistance of zinc-coated structured sheet metals has been evaluated. ► The structured sheet metal has a better corrosion resistance than the smooth sheet. ► The difference in corrosion of the sheets is negligible with increasing test time. ► The “positive” structure location has more corrosion defects than “negative” one.