---
title: Galvanic Reversal | one to ONE Holdings
description: Learn how Galvanic Reversal (Potential Reversal) triggers steel corrosion in zinc coatings over 60°C.
image: https://www.o2oh.com/hubfs/o2Oh_18mm.jpg
---

Perfecting imperfections with one to ONE

# Glossary

### GLOSSARYTerms A-Z

- [Glossary](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary)
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- [A～G](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary?val=a_g)
- [H～N](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary?val=h_n)
- [O～U](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary?val=o_u)
- [V～Z](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary?val=v_z)
- [Numbers ・ Symbols](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary?val=0_9)

# Galvanic Reversal

Galvanic Reversal (also known as Potential Reversal) is a phenomenon in which [zinc](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/zinc)—which is expected to protect [steel](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/steel) from corrosion through [**sacrificial protection**](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/sacrificial-protection)—instead accelerates steel corrosion under specific conditions.

Ideally, the zinc coating protecting the steel should act as the [**anode**](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/anode), while the steel remains the [**cathode**](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/cathode). However, when Galvanic Reversal occurs, the roles are swapped: the steel becomes the anode, and the zinc becomes the cathode, causing the steel to corrode before the zinc.

While multiple conditions for Galvanic Reversal have been identified, they are not yet fully understood. Factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of specific ions in water or soil are believed to be primarily involved.

Furthermore, it is known that while zinc effectively maintains its corrosion resistance below 50°C, its corrosion rate increases sharply around 60°C, leading to a loss of protective performance.

In short, in hot and humid environments, the formation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) on the galvanized layer occurs more easily. This renders the material state unstable, triggering Galvanic Reversal. As a result, the zinc in the coating layer effectively becomes a factor that causes corrosion of the steel.

[![Securing High-Grade Steel Supply on the Net-Zero Pathway | Our Strategic View Part 2](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8005843/interactive-202866110800.png) ](https://www.o2oh.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIbux642pA14mNgcHpGYPCKk41vkDHdpCU%2FCkSfhnOg7VRYyKOh9Qo2trwOUdHQhRAuBCN4Gf8zouwQxHPZf9WluFyPNQDsb66Pqp7786N25GNM7D3kJ%2BiRu4knMS83NVua1%2FzlZ6dBjBRAM5iEFZ4TDI0wf0%2FAbe8O7zOu2%2Fp6TeD9KjMusGVDFYiiShK20kc7%2FFUK52Z13hpz6A2LF8lkTZZzlzZWNIR0Z88Mhq8OPtLXEkMYQDBLvypKNseC0ySb&webInteractiveContentId=202866110800&portalId=8005843)

### RELATED WORDS

---

- [Green Steel Standards](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/green-steel-standards)
- [Gate-to-Gate](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/gate-to-gate)
- [GRI](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/gri)
- [Global Warming Potential (GWP)](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/global-warming-potential-gwp)
- [Galvanic Corrosion](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/galvanic-corrosion)
- [Galvanized Steel](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/galvanized-steel)
- [GHG Protocol](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/ghg-protocol)
- [GHG](https://www.o2oh.com/glossary/ghg)

Copyright © one to ONE Holdings Pte. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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