Electro galvanizing is the process in which a layer of Zinc is bonded to steel in order to protect against corrosion. This process involves electroplating i.e. running a current of electricity through a saline Zinc solution with a Zinc anode and a steel conductor. Similar to sheet galvanizing, the operation is continuous and the coating thickness is minimal. Applied in a steel mill, the steel sheets or strips are fed through entry equipment into a series of washes and then rinses them into the Zinc plating bath. The corrosion protection offered by the electrodeposited Zinc layer is primarily due to the anodic potential dissolution of Zinc versus iron (the substrate in most cases). Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode for protecting the iron/steel.

Zinc plating was developed and continues to evolve, to meet the most challenging corrosion protection, temperature and wear resistance requirements. The most common applications are for automobiles, appliance bodies and fasteners. The steel sheets can be coated by electro galvanizing one or both the sides. Due to their high corrosion resistance, electrogalvanized products are recommended for numerous applications especially in the automotive industry.

Unlike hot dip galvanizing, electroplated Zinc provides – Lower thickness deposits to achieve comparable performance; Broader conversion coating availability for increased performance & colour options; and brighter, more aesthetically appealing deposits.

Hindustan Zinc is India’s only and world’s leading Zinc-Lead-Silver Producer..

Article by- Pavan Kaushik, Head – Corporate Communication, Hindustan Zinc

Is ZINC helpful in Depression ? This question was asked by one of the respondents of ‘Ask for Zinc’. The answer is YES….. it turns out that Zinc plays a part in modulating the brain and body’s response to stress all along the way…

Zinc has been found to be low in the serum of those suffering from depression. In fact, the lower the Zinc level, the more depressed a person is. Zinc deficiency can lead to symptoms of depression, difficulties with learning and memory, seizures, aggression, and violence.

Low serotonin levels are also believed to be the cause of many cases of mild to severe depression which can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, apathy, fear, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia and fatigue. The enzymes containing Zinc are necessary for the synthesis of serotonin.

Since the 1920s Zinc has been known to play a credible role in mental health. Decades of research have found a link between taking Zinc supplements and improvement in the symptoms of schizophrenia, autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and other mental health problems.

Around 300 enzymes in our bodies use Zinc to help make DNA, for protein synthesis, cell division, cell growth etc. Zinc is particularly found in a part of the brain called the hippocampus.

In the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain central to memory and mood, antidepressants work by increasing the production of the nerve fertilizer BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in the hippocampus, which helps in nerve recovery, adaptation, and repair. Zinc deficiency leads to decreased Zinc in the nerve synapse. The same mechanism might be responsible for seizures, migraines, dementia, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Under conditions of major stress, Zinc swiftly leaves the body in the form of urine, sweat, and saliva. A daily intake of Zinc is required to maintain a steady state of the body.

Hindustan Zinc is India’s only and world’s leading Zinc-Lead-Silver Producer..

Article by- Pavan Kaushik, Head – Corporate Communication, Hindustan Zinc