Evolution of TSA/TSZ coatings: a review on recent advances on cold gas spraying for steel corrosion protection

Abstract For decades, zinc- and aluminum-based coatings have been considered the best material choice for steel corrosion protection since they may act as a protective barrier and show sacrificial behavior. These coatings are often prepared by galvanizing methods. However, their application by thermal spraying techniques (wire arc spraying, WAS and flame spraying, FS) has been proved as a cost-effective solution for the preparation of long-term corrosion-resistant coatings. This review selectively collects the most relevant information about the application and performance of these two techniques on Zn and Al coatings for corrosion protection. The report summarizes separately the Zn and Al data from the effect of the spraying parameters on coating properties on the one hand, and the results shown in long-term studies carried out in relevant and real exposure conditions, on the other. Finally, this review includes a description and comparison of the most recent advances found out with the novel and emerging spray technique, cold gas spray, for the deposition of Zn and Al coatings for corrosion protection purposes. Nevertheless, the use of this technique has not reached the stage of wide industrial application yet and therefore its long-term performance is unknown, which suggests that there is still room for further development.