The effect of Si and Mn content on dynamic wetting of steel with liquid Zn

Abstract

Non-wetting behavior of liquid Zn alloy sometimes occurs on high-tensile strength steels that usually contain Si and Mn. Many studies have been undertaken to improve the wettability of liquid Zn. In this work, we applied the sessile drop method to measure the change in contact angle and diameter of liquid Zn droplets wetted on steels containing Si and Mn with time. We could then quantitatively evaluate the wettability of those steels using liquid Zn. Si weakens the work of adhesion and spreading velocity of liquid Zn on steels. Mn, however, has a small effect on the contact angle and the work of adhesion but occasionally increases the spreading velocity even when Si content is high in steels. © 2009 ISIJ.