With Zinga the sacrificial rate reduces dramatically after the zinc layer has oxidised and the natural porosity have been filled with zinc salts. Additionally the zinc particles within the Zinga layer are protected by the organic binder without adversely affecting the electrical conductivity. This enables Zinga to create nearly the same galvanic potential between the zinc and the steel as hot dip galvanising.

"The zinc in Zinga becomes the sacrificial anode in relation to the steel but it corrodes at a much slower rate than would otherwise be expected"- Extract from B.N.F. Fulmer report of JJB Ward, Oxfordshire, Jan '92)

If the Zinga layer is sufficiently damaged to expose the base metal below, the steel would form a layer of surface rust but no corrosion would take place beneath it. In other words if the surface discolouration was removed the steel below would not be pitted or eroded. This is called "throw" and enables Zinga to protect bare metal up to 3 - 5mm or so away from where the coating ends. Zinc sacrificial anodes used on the steel hulls of boats below the waterline work on the same principle to protect metal in the surrounding area. Zinga is simply a different form of these anodes and is therefore sometimes referred to as a liquid anode or sheet anode when used in immersed conditions. However, it should be noted that like all forms of zinc protection, Zinga should not be used uncovered in immersed conditions above 65 degrees C as that is the inversion point where the steel starts to be sacrificed to protect the zinc.

The ability of zinc to provide galvanic protection is a function of it's weight per given area. Dry Zinga contains a minimum of 96% medicinal quality zinc by weight, the particles of which are significantly smaller and purer than those found in normal "zinc rich" coatings. The Zinga particles small size and elliptical profile ensures maximum contact between both the individual particles and the substrate. This greater density of active zinc per given area combined with the good conductivity of the layer ensures that charge flows through every millimeter that has been coated and therefore provides excellent cathodic protection.

PASSIVE PROTECTION

Passive protection, such as paints and cladding, creates a "barrier" between the steel substrate and the elements. Once this barrier is compromised then the moisture and atmospheric salts will be able to start corroding the steel beneath the damaged area. This corrosion will then begin to creep extensively beneath the coating.

With Zinga, the organic binder and the zinc oxide layer that forms on the surface create an impervious barrier by blocking the zinc's natural porosity with oxide particles. Unlike other passive coatings, once breached the zinc oxide layer simply renews itself by re-oxidising. This layer of oxides is the reason behind the matt appearance of Zinga as opposed to the shiny hot-dipped finish.