NLMK Tests New Anti-Corrosion Coating

NLMK Group, a global steel company, a Metal-Expo regular exhibitor, has begun testing Its zinc, aluminium, and magnesium coating (ZAM) for cold-rolled products jointly with the Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Compared to regular zinc coatings, ZAM makes steel three times more resistant to corrosion and increases its ductility, protecting the metal from cracking during mechanical treatment.

ZAM-coated steel was developed by NLMK Group’s R&D specialists in the Company’s research centres in Belgium and Russia.

During the tests, samples of ZAM-coated steel will be exposed to high concentrations of sulphur dioxide in the air, aggressive sea salt aerosols, and high air humidity at low temperatures.

Among other applications, the new coating is used in the production of light thin-walled steel structures. The composition of the coating increases the steel’s resistance to oxygen and humidity, which enables better corrosion protection for building structures. In addition, ZAM-coated steel is used to manufacture pre-painted steel: products made from it have a service life of over 50 years.

The tests are conducted in line with Russian and global standards. The new product is scheduled to launch in 2022.