- Galvanization is a widely used method for protecting metals, especially steel and iron, from corrosion (rusting). - The most common method is hot-dip galvanizing, where the steel or iron is immersed in a bath of molten zinc. - The zinc coating acts as a physical barrier preventing corrosive substances from reaching the underlying metal. - More importantly, zinc acts as a sacrificial anode. It is more electrochemically active than iron, so if the coating is scratched and the iron is exposed, the zinc will corrode preferentially, protecting the iron from rusting.