Bethanization information

Bethanization is a process patented by the Bethlehem Steel Company to protect steel from corrosion by plating it with zinc,^[1] a process similar to electrogalvanization. In advertising materials, Bethlehem Steel claimed the process was more effective than hot dip galvanization, the most common means of using zinc to protect steel.^[1]

The process is similar to that of Electrolytic sulfuric acid zinc plating, with few differences from bethanization. The electrolytic sulfuric acid zinc plating process uses zinc anodes, while bethanization uses inert mild steel anodes instead. The electrolytes used are manufactured by using zinc oxide dross, and dissolving it in sulfuric acid.^[2]

In 1936, Bethlehem Steel spent $30 million (1936 dollars) to build a factory in Johnstown, Pennsylvania capable of creating large amounts of Bethanized wire.^[3]

^ ^a ^b "Pick a fence for the yard", Kiplinger's Personal Finance. July 1973, p. 18.
^ Ross, Robert (1988). Handbook of Metal Treatments and Testing. New York: Chapman and Hall. pp. 28–29.
^ Special to the New York Times. "Open plant to make new Bethanized wire", The New York Times. April 17, 1936. Page 2.

[fence-1] "Pick a fence for the yard", Kiplinger's Personal Finance. July 1973, p. 18.

[2] Ross, Robert (1988). Handbook of Metal Treatments and Testing. New York: Chapman and Hall. pp. 28–29.

[3] Special to the New York Times. "Open plant to make new Bethanized wire", The New York Times. April 17, 1936. Page 2.