The evaluation of zinc coatings corrosion resistance on the ambulance construction elements

The mobile character of the ambulance functioning, as well as applying strong disinfectants support the phenomenon of the corrosion and the adhesion of micro-organisms on the abiotic surfaces. Zinc-plated coatings demonstrate properties suppressing bacterium growing. The presented paper describes research findings of the corrosion resistance of construction elements of the sanitary ambulance protected by zinc-plated coatings. Research was focused on the steel grade D01, which is widely used as the construction material of the medical equipment. After mechanical treatment (grinding and polishing) samples were divided into three groups that were subjected to the zinc coating. The following methods of zinc coating were applied: galvanic (two applications according to EN ISO 4042), hot-dip (PN-EN ISO 10684) and lamellar (PN-EN ISO 10683). The scope of research included roughness and surface topography measurements as well as metallographic observation and corrosion tests. Conclusions were formulated basing upon the tests made in the salt chamber - NaCl (acc. PN-EN ISO 9227). It is clear that the zinc coating with new passivation thick layer protects the steel base material in the best way. There was no white corrosion on the lamellar zinc surface.