Long Somali Sword For Comment

katana · 24th August 2006, 10:07 PM

Been checking the properties of zinc.....

Stability and Reactivity Comments:
Zinc metal is normally coated with a protective layer of zinc carbonate, which forms in air in the presence of carbon dioxide and moisture, resulting in a low corrosion rate.

On that basis both the pommels could indeed be ..a higher purity of Zinc ..because of the protective layer preventing the interaction of iron/zinc.

It would seem that the sacrifical anode effect can only occur when both metals are immersed in water, this ...quite likely...prevents the carbonate layer forming....leaving the more reactive zinc exposed.
So I have to conclude that even in humid conditions, the zinc pommel would have a carbonate layer develop, preventing the interaction with the iron/steel.

My theory would only work if you constantly used it underwater........
now.....did the African's invent the aqua-lung

24th August 2006, 10:07 PM	#19
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Been checking the properties of zinc..... Stability and Reactivity Comments: Zinc metal is normally coated with a protective layer of zinc carbonate, which forms in air in the presence of carbon dioxide and moisture, resulting in a low corrosion rate. On that basis both the pommels could indeed be ..a higher purity of Zinc ..because of the protective layer preventing the interaction of iron/zinc. It would seem that the sacrifical anode effect can only occur when both metals are immersed in water, this ...quite likely...prevents the carbonate layer forming....leaving the more reactive zinc exposed. So I have to conclude that even in humid conditions, the zinc pommel would have a carbonate layer develop, preventing the interaction with the iron/steel. My theory would only work if you constantly used it underwater........ now.....did the African's invent the aqua-lung