
Effects of Adding Pure or Scrap Aluminum to the Zinc Bath
I have heard of galvanizers using scrap aluminum plate or pure aluminum to add to the zinc bath as an alternative to purchasing Zn/Al brightener bars to change the concentration. Are there any adverse effects caused by the addition of scrap or pure aluminum in the zinc bath?
Aluminum is a very common bath additive and is typically added to the kettle at concentrations between 0.001% - 0.005% to:
- Increase brightness of the galvanized coating
- Reduce zinc ash formation
- Improve zinc flow/drainage
- Reduce spangle size
- Control coating overgrowth on high-silicon steels

However, it is important to note the aluminum content of the zinc melt for the wet galvanizing process must not exceed 0.002%. This is because aluminum can react with the zinc-ammonium chloride flux used in wet galvanizing. Higher concentrations of aluminum than the maximum recommended value can cause defects such as bare/black spots in the galvanized coatings. For the dry process, this maximum value is higher (0.007%) since the reaction between the aluminum and the top flux (forming aluminum chloride) is not an issue.
For adjusting the aluminum content in the zinc-bath to acquire these benefits, the aluminum must be evenly distributed until the desired concentration is reached.
Because pure aluminum is less dense than zinc and has a melting temperature (1220F) higher than a typical zinc bath, wasted aluminum will float to the top of the zinc melt and there will likely be issues distributing the aluminum consistently within the bath. In order to avoid sections of the zinc melt containing a higher aluminum concentration than desired, pure aluminum should be carefully distributed and well mixed within the bath as it dissolves.
It is not recommended to use scrap aluminum due to the additional concern of undesired and uncontrolled amounts of impurities such as iron, copper, chrome, manganese, and magnesium found in common aluminum alloys.
In order to best distribute aluminum and avoid bare spots, it is recommended to add aluminum to the zinc bath in the form of Zn/Al alloy bars (brightener bars) because the lower melting points of Zn/Al alloys more closely coincide with the zinc bath temperature. Zn/Al brightener bars should not be floated on top, but instead plunged beneath the surface of the bath to the bottom and mixed well to promote even distribution as the aluminum rises. ASTM B860 lists the recommended varieties of brightener bars (4, 5 or 10% Al content) and also the maximum allowable impurity contents.
© 2023 American Galvanizers Association. The material provided herein has been developed to provide accurate and authoritative information about after-fabrication hot-dip galvanized steel. This material provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for competent professional examination and verification as to suitability and applicability. The information provided herein is not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of the AGA. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.
Comments
Fabrimet inc
Our galvanizer, one of your members, does not want to inform us of the contents of his zinc kettles. We consider this to be against most of the galvanizing standards. Is this a position the AGA supports?
(AGA)
Hello, The galvanizer is required to maintain a bath that is at least 98% pure zinc, which they can prove if needed by supplying a copy of a test report. Any additives are at the discretion of the galvanizer and may be considered proprietary, and they are not required to provide those values.