CorroZone Podcast · 16 Jun 2026
Inorganic Coatings
- Free
- Lecture
- Beginner
- ~45 min
Inorganic coatings across the metallic, conversion, anodic-oxide and ceramic families: hot-dip galvanising and its layered microstructure, anodic versus cathodic coatings at a defect, the barrier / sacrificial / inhibition mechanisms, atmospheric-corrosivity selection, electroplating versus galvanising, chromate alternatives under REACH/RoHS, and multilayer system design.
Show notes
What you'll learn
- Explain the classification of inorganic coatings into metallic, conversion, anodic oxide, and ceramic families
- Describe the hot-dip galvanising process, including preparation steps and the layered microstructure (Γ, δ, ζ, η phases)
- Identify the key differences between anodic and cathodic metallic coatings and predict their behavior at coating defects
- Explain the three fundamental protective mechanisms: barrier action, sacrificial (cathodic) protection, and active inhibition
- Apply the galvanic series to select appropriate coatings for specific service environments (atmospheric corrosivity C1–CX)
- Compare the electroplating process to hot-dip galvanising and assess the performance and durability differences
- Analyze the relative merits and limitations of different conversion coating approaches (chromate, TCP, rare earth, silane)
- Evaluate the regulatory compliance implications of hexavalent chromium restrictions (REACH, RoHS) and alternatives
- Design multi-layer coating systems that combine inorganic coatings with cathodic protection or organic topcoats
- Assess the lifecycle costs and service-life trade-offs of different inorganic coating systems
Who this is for
Anyone beginning their study of corrosion — students, engineers, and technical staff who want a solid foundation in why metals corrode and what can be done about it. No prior background assumed.
What you'll learn
- Explain the classification of inorganic coatings into metallic, conversion, anodic oxide, and ceramic families
- Describe the hot-dip galvanising process, including preparation steps and the layered microstructure (Γ, δ, ζ, η phases)
- Identify the key differences between anodic and cathodic metallic coatings and predict their behavior at coating defects
- Explain the three fundamental protective mechanisms: barrier action, sacrificial (cathodic) protection, and active inhibition
- Apply the galvanic series to select appropriate coatings for specific service environments (atmospheric corrosivity C1–CX)
- Compare the electroplating process to hot-dip galvanising and assess the performance and durability differences
- Analyze the relative merits and limitations of different conversion coating approaches (chromate, TCP, rare earth, silane)
- Evaluate the regulatory compliance implications of hexavalent chromium restrictions (REACH, RoHS) and alternatives
- Design multi-layer coating systems that combine inorganic coatings with cathodic protection or organic topcoats
- Assess the lifecycle costs and service-life trade-offs of different inorganic coating systems