LAUSR

Abstract The galvannealed coating has been extensively used in automotive industries because of its superior performance for weldability, paintability and corrosion resistance. However, surface defect of the galvannealed coating is a major concern for the steel manufacturers and the automotive industries. The galvannealing coating process comprises several process steps and each process step may incorporate different types of defects on the coated surface. In the present study, an uncommon surface defect which looks like an indentation mark on the coating surface has been investigated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) has been used to analyse the morphology and the chemical compositions. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) has been used to measure the depth and the morphology of the defect. It was found that the defect was developed on the steel sheet at the end section of the annealing furnace because of mechanical abrasion with rolls. In-depth analysis suggested that zinc vapour from zinc bath were forming zinc oxide particles in the snout region. Zinc oxide particles were able to travel to the end section of the annealing furnace due to improper snout operation. These particles were getting entrapped in-between the roll surface and the steel strip and forming the surface defect on the galvannealed steel surface.