Method for hot-dip galvanizing components

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of an iron or steel component which has a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular in order to regenerate and / or recycle and / or reuse a galvanized iron or steel component, to a corresponding system, to a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component which can be obtained in this manner, and to the corresponding applications.

Description

[0001] Process for hot-dip galvanizing components

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of galvanizing iron-based or iron-containing components, in particular steel-based or steel-containing components (steel components), preferably for the automotive or motor vehicle industry, the construction industry, the field of general mechanical engineering, the electrical industry and other technical fields of application, by means of hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing).

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to the technical field of recycling or reuse or processing of already used components, in particular of already used galvanized components, preferably of already used galvanized iron or steel components.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a plant for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, and furthermore to the products obtainable by the method according to the invention or in the plant according to the invention (ie hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components) and the corresponding uses.

[0005] Metallic components of any kind made of ferrous material, especially steel components, often require effective protection against corrosion due to their application. In particular, steel components for motor vehicles (automotive), such as cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, etc., but also for other technical sectors (e.g., the construction industry, mechanical engineering, the electrical industry, etc.), require effective corrosion protection that can withstand long-term stress. In this context, it is known to protect steel-based components against corrosion by means of galvanizing. During galvanizing, the steel is coated with a generally thin layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. Various galvanizing processes can be used to galvanize steel components, i.e.to coat with a metallic zinc coating, particularly hot-dip galvanizing (also known as hot-dip galvanizing), flame spraying (flame spraying with zinc wire), diffusion galvanizing (Sherard galvanizing), electrolytic galvanizing, non-electrolytic galvanizing using zinc flake coatings, and mechanical galvanizing. There are significant differences between the aforementioned galvanizing processes, particularly with regard to the process implementation, but also with regard to the nature and properties of the resulting zinc layers or coatings.

[0006] Arguably the most important process for corrosion protection of steel using metallic zinc coatings is hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing). This involves immersing steel continuously (e.g., strip and wire) or piece by piece (e.g., components) in a heated vat of molten zinc at temperatures of approximately 400 °C to 600 °C (melting point of zinc: 419.5 °C; zinc alloys can have a higher or lower melting point), forming a resistant alloy layer of iron and zinc on the steel surface, with a very firmly adhering pure zinc layer on top.

[0007] Hot-dip galvanizing has been a recognized and proven method for protecting parts and components made of ferrous materials, especially steel, from corrosion for many decades. As previously described, the typically pre-cleaned or pre-treated component is immersed in a hot, liquid zinc bath, where it reacts with the molten zinc and, as a result, forms a relatively thin zinc layer that is metallurgically bonded to the base material.

[0008] In hot-dip galvanizing, a distinction is made between discontinuous batch galvanizing (see, for example, DIN EN ISO 1461 and DIN 50997) and continuous strip and wire galvanizing (see, for example, DIN EN 10143 and DIN EN 10346). Both batch galvanizing and strip and wire galvanizing are standardized processes. Continuously galvanized steel strip and continuously galvanized wire are each a preliminary or intermediate product (semi-finished product) that is further processed after galvanizing, particularly by forming, punching, cutting, etc., whereas components to be protected by batch galvanizing are usually first completely or at least partially manufactured and only then hot-dip galvanized (which provides comprehensive protection against corrosion).Depending on the application conditions, batch galvanizing and strip / wire galvanizing also differ in terms of the phase structure and the thickness of the resulting zinc coatings, which can result in different protection durations - also depending on the zinc layer. The zinc layer thickness of strip-galvanized sheets is typically in the range of 10 to 35 micrometers, whereas the zinc layer thickness of batch-galvanized steel parts is usually in the range of 50 to 200 micrometers and even more.

[0009] Hot-dip galvanizing provides both active and passive corrosion protection. Passive protection is provided by the barrier effect of the zinc coating. Active corrosion protection is achieved through the cathodic effect of the zinc coating. Compared to more noble metals in the electrochemical series, such as iron, zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, protecting the underlying iron from corrosion until it is completely corroded.

[0010] In batch galvanizing according to DIN EN ISO 1461, the hot-dip galvanizing of mostly larger steel components and structures takes place. Steel-based blanks or (semi-)finished workpieces (components) are immersed in the molten zinc bath after pretreatment. Immersion allows for easy access to interior surfaces, weld seams, and hard-to-reach areas of the workpieces or components to be galvanized.

[0011] Conventional hot-dip galvanizing, in particular dip galvanizing, is based primarily on dipping iron or steel components into a zinc melt to form a zinc coating on the surface of the components. To ensure the adhesion, integrity and uniformity of the zinc coating, careful surface pretreatment and, if necessary, preparation of the components to be galvanized is generally required beforehand. This usually includes degreasing followed by rinsing, acid pickling followed by rinsing and finally fluxing followed by drying. For reasons of process economy and cost-effectiveness, when identical or similar components are batch galvanized (e.g. series production of automotive components), these are typically combined or mixed for the entire process.grouped (in particular by means of a common product carrier, for example, designed as a crossbeam or frame, or a common holding or fastening device for a plurality of these identical or similar components). For this purpose, a plurality of components are attached to the product carrier via holding means, such as slings, tie wires, or the like. The components are then fed in a grouped state via the product carrier to the individual treatment steps or stages of hot-dip galvanizing.

[0012] The typical process sequence for conventional hot-dip galvanizing is usually as follows:

[0013] First, the surfaces of the components in question are degreased to remove grease and oil residues. Typically, aqueous alkaline or acidic degreasing agents can be used as degreasing agents. After cleaning in the degreasing bath, a rinsing process follows, typically by immersion in a water bath, to prevent degreasing agents from being carried over into the subsequent pickling process step with the galvanized material. This is particularly important when switching from alkaline degreasing to acidic pickling.

[0014] This is followed by a pickling treatment, which serves in particular to remove inherent contaminants such as rust and scale from the steel surface. Pickling is usually carried out in diluted hydrochloric acid, with the duration of the pickling process depending, among other things, on the level of contamination (e.g., degree of rust) of the galvanized material and the acid concentration and temperature of the pickling bath. To avoid or minimize the carryover of acid and / or salt residues with the galvanized material, a rinsing process (rinsing step) usually follows the pickling treatment. This is then followed by fluxing (synonymously known as flux treatment), in which the previously degreased and pickled steel surface is treated with a flux, which typically comprises an aqueous solution of inorganic chlorides, most commonly a mixture of zinc chloride (ZnCl) and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl).On the one hand, the flux's function is to provide a final, intensive, micro-cleaning of the steel surface before the steel surface reacts with the molten zinc, dissolving the oxide film on the zinc surface and preventing re-oxidation of the steel surface until the galvanizing process. On the other hand, the flux is intended to increase the wettability between the steel surface and the molten zinc. After the flux treatment, drying usually follows to create a solid flux film on the steel surface and remove adhering water, thus preventing subsequent undesirable reactions (especially the formation of water vapor) in the liquid zinc dip bath.

[0015] The components pretreated in the aforementioned manner are then hot-dip galvanized by immersion in the molten zinc bath. When hot-dip galvanizing with pure zinc, the zinc content of the melt is at least 98.0 wt.% according to DIN EN ISO 1461. After immersion of the galvanized item in the molten zinc (or zinc alloy), it remains in the molten zinc bath for a sufficient period of time, in particular until the item has assumed its temperature and is coated with a layer of zinc. Typically, the surface of the molten zinc bath is cleaned of oxides, zinc ash, flux residues, and the like, before the item is withdrawn from the molten zinc bath. The component hot-dip galvanized in this way is then subjected to a cooling process (e.g. in air or in a water bath). Finally, any holding devices for the component, such asLifting gear, tie wires or the like are removed.

[0016] Following the galvanizing process, the galvanized components usually undergo post-processing. This involves removing, as far as necessary, excess zinc bath residues, particularly so-called drips from the zinc solidifying on the edges, as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component. One criterion for the quality of hot-dip galvanizing is the thickness of the zinc coating in pm (micrometers). The DIN EN ISO 1461 standard specifies the minimum coating thicknesses required for batch galvanizing, depending on the material thickness. In practice, the coating thicknesses are significantly higher than the minimum coating thicknesses specified in DIN EN ISO 1461. In general, zinc coatings produced by batch galvanizing have a thickness in the range of 50 to 200 micrometers and even more.

[0017] During the galvanizing process, a coating of iron / zinc alloy layers of varying composition forms on the steel part as a result of the mutual diffusion of the liquid zinc with the steel surface. When the hot-dip galvanized articles are removed, a layer of zinc – also known as the pure zinc layer – remains adhered to the uppermost alloy layer, which corresponds in composition to the molten zinc. Due to the high temperatures during hot-dip dipping, a relatively brittle layer based on an alloy (solid solution) between iron and zinc initially forms on the steel surface, followed by the pure zinc layer. While the relatively brittle iron / zinc alloy layer improves the adhesion to the base material, it complicates the formability of the galvanized steel. This results in the formation of relatively thick overall layers.While this allows for a very long duration of corrosion protection, the risk of the layer flaking under mechanical stress, especially local impacts, increases with increasing zinc layer thickness, thus compromising the corrosion protection effect. Furthermore, the resulting zinc layer is not ductile, limiting the possibilities for further processing, especially while maintaining the corrosion protection effect.

[0018] To counteract the previously described problem of the rapidly growing, brittle, and thick iron / zinc alloy layer, and to enable thinner layer thicknesses while simultaneously providing high corrosion protection during galvanizing, it is known from the prior art to add additional aluminum to the zinc melt or liquid zinc bath. For example, adding 5 wt.% aluminum to a liquid zinc melt produces a zinc / aluminum alloy with a lower melting point than pure zinc. By using a zinc / aluminum melt (Zn / Al melt) orA liquid zinc / aluminium bath (Zn / Al bath) allows, on the one hand, significantly lower layer thicknesses for reliable corrosion protection to be achieved (generally below 50 micrometres); on the other hand, the formation of the brittle iron / zinc alloy layer is avoided, since the aluminium - without being bound by a specific theory - first forms a barrier layer on the steel surface of the component in question, onto which the actual zinc layer is then deposited.

[0019] Components hot-dip galvanized with a zinc / aluminium melt can therefore be easily formed, but still exhibit improved corrosion protection properties - despite the significantly lower layer thickness compared to conventional hot-dip galvanizing with a virtually aluminum-free zinc melt.

[0020] A zinc / aluminum alloy used in a hot-dip galvanizing bath exhibits improved fluidity properties compared to pure zinc. Furthermore, zinc coatings produced by hot-dip galvanizing using such zinc / aluminum alloys exhibit greater corrosion resistance (two to six times better than that of pure zinc), better aesthetics, improved formability, and better paintability than zinc coatings formed from pure zinc. Furthermore, lead-free zinc coatings can also be produced using this technology.

[0021] Such a hot-dip galvanizing process using a zinc / aluminum melt or a zinc / aluminum hot-dip galvanizing bath is known, for example, from WO 2002 / 042512 A1 and the relevant publication equivalents to this patent family (e.g., EP 1 352 100 B1, DE 601 24 767 T2, and US 2003 / 0219543 A1). Suitable fluxes for hot-dip galvanizing using zinc / aluminum melt baths are also disclosed therein, since flux compositions for zinc / aluminum hot-dip galvanizing baths must be different from those for conventional hot-dip galvanizing with pure zinc.The process disclosed therein enables the production of corrosion protection coatings with very thin layer thicknesses (generally well below 50 micrometers and typically in the range of 2 to 20 micrometers) and with very low weight and high cost-effectiveness, which is why the process described therein is used commercially under the name microZINQ® process. With regard to the formation of the zinc layer and its properties, it has been shown that these can be significantly influenced by alloying elements in the zinc melt. One of the most important elements here is aluminum: It has been shown that with an aluminum content in the zinc melt of just 100 ppm (weight-based), the appearance of the resulting zinc layer can be improved to a brighter, shinier appearance. With increasing aluminum content in the zinc melt up to 1,000 ppm (weight-based), this effect steadily increases.Furthermore, it has been shown - as previously described - that at an aluminum content of 0.12 wt.% or more in the zinc melt, an intermetallic Fe / Al phase forms between the iron material and the zinc layer. This inhibits the otherwise usual diffusion processes between iron and zinc melt, thus significantly reducing the growth of the Zn / Fe phases. As a result, significantly thinner zinc layers result from this aluminum content in the zinc melt. Finally, it has been shown that, in general, the corrosion protection effect of the resulting zinc layer increases with increasing aluminum content in the zinc melt; this is because the Zn / Al compounds form significantly more stable covering layers more quickly.

[0022] Well-known examples of the commercial use of aluminum-containing zinc melts are the so-called Galfan® process and the aforementioned microZINQ® process, with an aluminum content in the zinc melt typically ranging from 4.2 wt.% to 6.2 wt.%. The advantage of this alloy is, among other things, that around the average value of 5 wt.%, a eutectic composition of the Zn / Al system with a melting point of 382 °C is present, which enables a reduction in the operating temperature in the galvanizing process.

[0023] Overall, hot-dip galvanizing layers with different compositions can be applied to iron-based components to provide corrosion protection, whereby the properties, in particular the corrosion protection properties as well as the mechanical and optical properties, of the zinc layer are influenced by its composition.

[0024] However, the corrosion protection performance of the zinc layer (hot-dip galvanized layer) can decrease over time, for example due to weathering, erosion, or damage to the zinc layer. In this context, the zinc layer can be eroded or damaged, particularly by mechanical and / or chemical processes during use. In particular, if the galvanized components are exposed to environmental influences such as intense heat and / or cold, salts, etc., or are subjected to mechanical stress, e.g., deformation, the corrosion protection performance of the zinc layer is affected; in particular, it can decrease significantly over time. However, reliable corrosion protection can only be provided with an undamaged and continuous zinc layer with a certain minimum layer thickness, which depends on the composition of the zinc layer.

[0025] Even if the zinc layer is damaged or partially removed and thus no longer provides reliable corrosion protection, this does not necessarily mean that the component as such is unsuitable; in particular, the lack of corrosion protection does not have to affect the technological properties of the component as such. Consequently, such a component could be reused or reused once reliable corrosion protection has been restored. Components whose corrosion protection properties decrease due to environmental or mechanical influences but the component as such is still usable can be, for example, scaffolding parts, crash barriers or guard rails, body parts, etc. In particular, further use of the component as such is still possible if it is still functional and no, or at least no technically relevant, corrosion has occurred down to the base material (i.e. down to the component as such).In other words, it is not necessary to dispose of or melt down such a component, but (new) reliable corrosion protection is essential for further use.

[0026] In the prior art, it is therefore common practice to completely dezincify and re-galvanize components with inadequate corrosion protection, particularly due to a damaged zinc layer. In other words, the remaining zinc layer is completely removed (so-called dezincification), particularly through chemical and / or mechanical processes, and then re-galvanized using a conventional hot-dip galvanizing process, particularly one of the processes described above. Before the new galvanizing, repair or correction work as well as shaping work, such as correcting deformations, re-punching holes, cutting threads, adding bores, etc., can be carried out if necessary. The disadvantage, however, is that the remaining zinc layer is completely removed. In addition, dezincification is complex and requires a high level of energy.Furthermore, dezincification is uneconomical, especially since the entire zinc layer must be removed, even for minor defects. Thus, the (complete) removal of the zinc layer and the application of a new one results in high material and energy consumption, which is both economically and ecologically detrimental. Furthermore, the process is complex and time-consuming.

[0027] The state of the art described above therefore lacks a way to economically, resource-efficiently, and ecologically reprocess components that are still functional but whose zinc coating no longer provides complete or sufficient corrosion protection, particularly in such a way that reliable corrosion protection is restored. In particular, a reliable determination or assessment of the existing or remaining condition and corrosion protection must be carried out for this purpose.

[0028] The problem underlying the present invention therefore consists in providing a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, as well as a corresponding plant for carrying out this method, wherein the previously described disadvantages of the prior art are to be at least largely avoided or at least mitigated.

[0029] In particular, a process or system should be provided that enables the restoration of corrosion protection properties without first having to (completely) remove the remaining zinc layer. This requires a reliable and reproducible determination or assessment of the existing or remaining condition and corrosion protection.

[0030] Furthermore, the aim is to provide a process or plant that is more energy-efficient and resource-efficient than conventional processes or plants. Furthermore, the aim is to provide a process or plant that is more sustainable than conventional processes or plants.

[0031] To solve the problem described above, the present invention - according to a first aspect of the present invention - proposes a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component according to claim 1; further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention relates—according to a second aspect of the present invention—to a plant (system) for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component according to the related independent plant claim (claim 50); further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the plant according to the invention are the subject of the related plant subclaims.

[0033] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component according to the relevant independent product claims (claims 60 and 61); further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the product according to the invention are the subject of the relevant product subclaims.

[0034] Finally, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to the uses according to the relevant independent use claims (claims 67, 68 and 70); further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the uses according to the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

[0035] It goes without saying that the following explanations indicate that configurations, embodiments, advantages, and the like which, in order to avoid repetition, are described below only for one aspect of the invention, naturally also apply to the remaining aspects of the invention, without this requiring separate mention. With regard to all relative or percentage weight-related information mentioned below, in particular relative quantity or weight information, it should also be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, these must be selected by the person skilled in the art such that, in total, including all components or ingredients, in particular as defined below, they always add up to 100% or 100% by weight; however, this is self-evident to the person skilled in the art.

[0036] Furthermore, the person skilled in the art may, depending on the application or the individual case, deviate from the range specifications given below if necessary, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0037] In addition, all values ​​or parameters or the like mentioned below can generally be determined using standardized or explicitly specified determination procedures or, if not, using determination or measurement methods that are familiar to a person skilled in the art.

[0038] Furthermore, for the description of the present invention, the features of the present invention cited in connection with the specific configurations, embodiments, advantages, examples, or the like are also deemed to be disclosed in their combination. Thus, higher-level combinations of individual or multiple features cited for respective configurations, embodiments, application examples, or the like are also deemed to be disclosed.

[0039] In particular, for the features characterizing the invention, all possible combinations of these features are deemed to be disclosed, whereby embodiments of comparable or corresponding preference of the various features in their combination are preferred (e.g. amounts or ranges of amounts of the relevant active ingredients and ingredients of the same preference or the like). In this case, it is also particularly true that for the following quantities relating to the various ingredients, in particular active ingredients, of the composition according to the invention or the like, in particular relative quantities or absolute quantities of the same preference or the same level of preference, respective combinations relating to the various ingredients, in particular active ingredients, with corresponding preference or preference are also disclosed. Likewise, all other combinations (ieCombinations based on different preferences or different levels of preference) are also revealed.

[0040] Having said that, the present invention will now be explained in detail below.

[0041] The subject matter of the present invention - according to a first aspect of the present invention - is thus a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso,that the galvanised iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kΩ • cm, 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing. As explained below, the present invention is associated with a multitude of completely unexpected advantages, special features, and surprising technical effects, the following description of which makes no claim to completeness, but illustrates the inventive nature of the present invention:

[0042] Because, as the applicant has now discovered completely surprisingly, the corrosion protection of an already galvanized iron or steel component can be restored, reconditioned or regenerated by the process according to the invention, in particular the hot-dip galvanizing process, without the existing zinc layer having to be (completely) removed.

[0043] In particular, the applicant has discovered, quite surprisingly, that, using the procedure according to the invention and thus requiring only minimal preparation, it is possible to regenerate or recondition or restore the hot-dip galvanized layer and thus the corrosion protection properties, in particular of an iron or steel component that has already been galvanized and used.

[0044] In the context of the present invention, the term “conventional zinc layer” or “pure zinc layer” or “virtually aluminum-free zinc layer” refers to a zinc layer that is obtainable in a previously described conventional hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular wherein the zinc content of the melt is at least 98.0% by weight according to DIN EN ISO 1461. In particular, a conventional zinc layer (i.e., pure zinc layer or quasi aluminum-free zinc layer) in the context of the present invention is to be distinguished from an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer. In the context of the present invention, an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer has, in particular, an aluminum content of at least 2% by weight. With regard to the corresponding zinc baths (i.e., pure zinc baths on the one hand and aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc baths on the other), these statements and definitions apply accordingly.

[0045] Completely surprisingly, the applicant has discovered that the quality of the zinc layer can be determined by measuring the electrical resistance of the surface of the zinc layer. Based on the quality (material quality), the effort required for the activation treatment can then be specifically determined and adjusted. It is particularly advantageous if the existing zinc layer is made accessible for further galvanizing. Optimum galvanizing, in particular hot-dip galvanizing, and thus also the provision of reliable and durable corrosion protection properties is particularly possible if the hot-dip galvanizing is carried out directly or immediately on the existing zinc layer or the base material (i.e. the material of the component). For this purpose, the existing zinc layer should in particular be free from impurities, corrosion products of iron (i.e. iron oxides) and oxidation products of the zinc layer (i.e.Zinc oxides, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide hydroxide, zinc bicarbonate, zinc carbonate, etc.). Impurities, iron corrosion products, and oxidation products of the zinc layer can be removed during the activation treatment provided according to the invention, whereby the necessary type, duration, and intensity of the activation treatment depend on the quality and thus the condition of the zinc layer. In particular, for example, a lower quality requires a more intensive and / or longer activation treatment than a higher quality.

[0046] In the context of the present invention, the term "grade" is to be understood particularly with regard to suitability for re-hot-dip galvanizing. For example, if the existing zinc layer has a high resistance, a more intensive and / or longer activation treatment is required than if the zinc layer has a low resistance, which thus indicates a lower grade within the meaning of the present invention.

[0047] The applicant has found that during the galvanizing, in particular hot-dip galvanizing, of galvanized components which have an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kQ • cm 2 have, uniform and complete zinc layers are formed, which provide high corrosion protection properties and are visually high-quality.

[0048] The targeted optimization or adaptation of the activation treatment to the quality of the zinc layer in such a way that a reliable and high-quality hot-dip galvanizing result is achieved is particularly economical, ecological, and sustainable. In particular, the removal of the existing zinc layer is reduced or minimized, the overall effort is reduced, and the component itself is protected. In particular, impairment or damage to the component surface by the activation treatment can be essentially prevented, so that the mechanical properties of the component in particular are not impaired. Furthermore, the amount of new material required for galvanizing (i.e., molten zinc) is reduced, and the resulting waste volumes are significantly lowered compared to the state of the art.

[0049] Adapting the activation treatment to be carried out before galvanizing depending on the quality or electrical resistance of the zinc layer is therefore associated with a number of advantages. In particular, this approach has economic and technical advantages over a consistent activation treatment that is not adapted to the quality of the zinc layer:

[0050] The procedure according to the invention makes the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component more economical, in particular since the activation treatment can be precisely adapted, in particular shortened, so that the overall productivity is increased.

[0051] In addition, by adjusting the activation treatment, especially by shortening it, as little zinc as possible is removed. This leaves a higher proportion of zinc or zinc layer on the component. The remaining zinc or zinc layer, in turn, provides corrosion protection and, after galvanizing, becomes part of the new overall zinc layer, which provides a particularly high level of mechanically and visually superior corrosion protection.

[0052] Even with the process according to the invention, small amounts of zinc are removed, whereby the removed zinc can subsequently be recovered or recycled (cf., for example, the so-called ReZINQ® process); however, this recovery is only possible when the removed zinc contains a limited amount of iron. With the process according to the invention, essentially no iron or only very little iron is removed from the component itself, so that subsequent recovery or recycling of the necessarily removed zinc is also possible. In contrast to the process according to the invention, in the prior art - as explained above - the entire zinc layer is removed, whereby larger amounts of iron are inevitably removed from the component itself, which often makes further use of the zinc impossible. Thus, the process according to the invention is advantageous both compared to complete dezincification and re-galvanizing and compared to constant orActivation treatment that cannot be individually adjusted to each component before re-galvanizing.

[0053] In addition, there are also advantages associated with the zinc layer obtainable from the process according to the invention, in particular the hot-dip galvanized layer:

[0054] In particular, the method according to the invention provides an at least partially multi-phase and / or at least partially layered (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer consisting of Zn / Al / Fe phases. These Zn / Al / Fe phases can, in particular, comprise Zn, ZnAl, ZnFe, and / or AlFe phases; this is particularly the case when the hot-dip galvanizing is carried out using an aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt.

[0055] If a non-aluminium alloyed or non-aluminium-containing zinc melt is used for hot-dip galvanizing, a multi-phase and / or at least partially layered (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is provided, which consists of Zn and ZnFe phases.

[0056] The hot-dip galvanized coating obtained by the process according to the invention exhibits high corrosion protection properties and high ductility. Furthermore, this hot-dip galvanized coating is very bright and therefore visually particularly high-quality.

[0057] Surprisingly, in the process according to the invention, according to a particular embodiment, a hot-dip galvanizing layer containing Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed during hot-dip galvanizing using an aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt, which layer, in particular, is not obtainable by known processes. In the hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention, an aluminum-containing zinc layer is not formed on the already existing hot-dip galvanizing layer, which typically consists of a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase on the base material and a pure zinc layer arranged thereover. Instead, an at least partially multiphase and / or at least partially layered (new) hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed, which contains Zn / Al / Fe phases.Hot-dip galvanizing not only applies an additional layer, but creates a completely new layer, particularly since the aluminum from the preferably aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc bath diffuses at least partially into the existing hot-dip galvanized layer. This makes it possible to obtain different hot-dip galvanized layers that are not available in known single-stage processes and that exhibit properties unattainable by single-stage processes.

[0058] In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular the hot-dip galvanizing process, is more ductile and thus less brittle than a pure zinc layer and can therefore be formed or cold-formed, for example, bent through 90°, without the corrosion protection properties being lost or significantly impaired. At the same time, the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular the hot-dip galvanizing process, can be provided with a greater layer thickness than a conventional aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer (i.e., an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer which is applied directly oris applied directly to a component without an existing zinc layer), in particular since the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention is not limited by a maximum achievable layer thickness (as in the case of an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer customary in the prior art by the formation of an Fe / Al barrier layer).

[0059] In particular, the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention is essentially not limited, as is the case with an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer customary in the prior art and obtainable by a single-stage hot-dip galvanizing process. Thus, in particular, hot-dip galvanizing layers with a high aluminum enrichment and a thickness of significantly more than 25 μm can be provided. At the same time, the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention also has the advantages of an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, such as gloss, ductility, and high corrosion protection properties. Overall, the process according to the invention, in particular the hot-dip galvanizing process, is thus more economical than a processing or recycling process customary in the prior art (i.e.a process in which the existing zinc layer is first completely removed and then a new zinc layer is applied) and also more economical than a process in which an activation treatment or pretreatment is not adapted to the quality of the existing zinc layer.

[0060] The hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the process according to the invention, in particular the hot-dip galvanizing process, is more ductile and less brittle than a commercial pure zinc layer, and the layer thickness is adjustable despite the use of an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath. In particular, the process according to the invention forms a hot-dip galvanizing layer that cannot be achieved in a commercial single-step process, combining high ductility with an adjustable or controllable layer thickness and layer structure, as well as high corrosion protection performance.

[0061] The present invention thus provides - as described above - a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso,that the galvanised iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kΩ • cm, 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing.

[0062] In the context of the present invention, it is preferred if the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.%, in particular at most 97 wt.%, preferably at most 96 wt.%, of zinc.

[0063] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%.

[0064] In other words, within the scope of the present invention, no so-called pure zinc melt is used, and no galvanizing is carried out according to DIN EN ISO 1461. By using a zinc melt with a maximum of 98 wt.% zinc, at least 2 wt.% of other metals are contained in the zinc melt. By selecting the other metals and the corresponding amounts, the final properties, in particular the optical and mechanical properties as well as the corrosion protection properties, of the zinc layer obtained from hot-dip galvanizing can be adjusted and adapted.

[0065] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing may be an aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt").

[0066] In this context, the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), can contain at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, aluminum, based on the zinc melt. In particular, the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), can contain at most 45 wt.%, in particular at most 25 wt.%, preferably at most 8 wt.%, particularly preferably at most 6 wt.%, aluminum, based on the zinc melt.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, can contain aluminum in amounts in the range of 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range of 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range of 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

[0068] A so-called aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") results in particularly bright and ductile hot-dip galvanized layers with high corrosion protection properties. In particular, using a zinc melt with the above-mentioned aluminum quantities can provide relatively thin zinc layers with high corrosion protection properties.

[0069] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing may contain, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

[0070] According to the present invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.%, in particular at most 97 wt.%, preferably at most 96 wt.%, zinc, and that the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, aluminum. A zinc melt with the ingredients and amounts described above, in particular at most 98 wt.% zinc and at least 2 wt.% aluminum, is in particular a so-called aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt, from which particularly thin and high-performance zinc layers with high gloss are produced.

[0071] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing may contain, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range of 55 wt.% to 98 wt.% and aluminum in amounts in the range of 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%.

[0072] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%, and that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

[0073] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method as described above, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment,and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and optionally at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

[0074] It may be particularly advantageous if the activation treatment is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement.

[0075] With an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of maximum 500 kΩ • cm 2The surface is particularly accessible for hot-dip galvanizing, so that a substantially homogeneous and complete zinc layer is formed. In particular, zinc oxidation products (i.e. oxygen-containing zinc compounds, in particular selected from the group of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide hydroxide, zinc bicarbonate, zinc carbonate and combinations thereof) are present in only small quantities. These oxidation products can interfere with the hot-dip galvanizing and thus lead to an incomplete or defective zinc layer, which results in less reliable corrosion protection. However, the applicant has surprisingly discovered that with an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 an essentially defect-free, homogeneous and complete zinc layer is formed in the hot-dip galvanizing process.

[0076] The electrical resistance at the surface can be determined, for example, using a gel electrolyte. Since the gel electrolyte is less reactive than a liquid electrolyte, measurements of the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer using a gel electrolyte provide more reliable results—as surprisingly discovered by the applicant.According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method as described above, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component is subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and optionally at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

[0077] It can be provided that the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment before hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in particular in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement.

[0078] According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method as described above, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso,that the galvanised iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kΩ • cm, 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and optionally at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

[0079] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.%, in particular at most 97 wt.%, preferably at most 96 wt.%, of zinc.

[0080] It can also be provided within the scope of the present invention that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%.

[0081] As previously stated, in particular, no so-called pure zinc melt is used within the scope of the present invention, nor is galvanizing carried out according to DIN EN ISO 1461. By using a maximum of 98 wt.% zinc, the zinc melt thus contains at least 2 wt.% other metals. By selecting the other metals and the corresponding amounts, the final properties, in particular the optical and mechanical properties as well as the corrosion protection properties, of the zinc layer obtained from hot-dip galvanizing can be adjusted and adapted.

[0082] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing can be an aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"). In particular, it can be provided that the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), contains at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, aluminum, based on the zinc melt.

[0083] In this context, it may also be provided that the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 45 wt.%, in particular at most 25 wt.%, preferably at most 8 wt.%, particularly preferably at most 6 wt.%, of aluminum.

[0084] Furthermore, it can also be provided in this context that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range of 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range of 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range of 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

[0085] As previously stated, a so-called aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") results in particularly bright and ductile hot-dip galvanized layers with high corrosion protection properties. In particular, using a zinc melt with the aluminum quantities listed above can provide relatively thin zinc layers with high corrosion protection properties.

[0086] In the context of the present invention, it may be preferred if the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

[0087] As previously stated, a zinc melt with the above-described ingredients and amounts, in particular a maximum of 98 wt.% zinc and at least 2 wt.% aluminum, is in particular a so-called aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt, from which particularly thin and high-performance zinc layers with a high gloss are produced. In particular, the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing can contain, based on the zinc melt, a maximum of 98 wt.%, in particular a maximum of 97 wt.%, preferably a maximum of 96 wt.% zinc, and the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing can contain, based on the zinc melt, at least

[0088] 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, of aluminum.

[0089] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing may contain, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts ranging from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.% and aluminum in amounts ranging from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%.

[0090] Within the scope of the present invention, it may be preferred that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, based on the zinc melt, contains zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%, and that the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range from

[0091] 3 wt% to 8 wt%, particularly preferably in the range of 4 wt% to 6 wt%.

[0092] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in hot-dip galvanizing can have the following composition, wherein all quantities mentioned below are based on the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results:

[0093] (i) zinc (Zn), in particular in amounts in the range from 55% to 98% by weight, in particular in the range from 65% to 97% by weight, preferably in the range from 75% to 96% by weight,

[0094] (ii) aluminum (AI), in particular in amounts in the range from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, (iii) optionally magnesium (Mg), in particular in amounts in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%;

[0095] (iii) optionally at least one further metal, in particular in (total) amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si) and combinations thereof.

[0096] According to the present invention, it can be provided that the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing has a temperature in the range of 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range of 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range of 350 °C to 465 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 415 °C to 455 °C.

[0097] It has proven particularly advantageous within the scope of the process according to the invention if the galvanized iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time in the range from 0.0001 to 60 minutes, in particular in the range from 0.001 to 45 minutes, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 30 minutes, particularly preferably in the range from 4 to 8 minutes.

[0098] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous within the scope of the method according to the invention if the galvanized iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular is immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at least 0.0001 minutes, in particular at least 0.001 minutes, preferably at least 0.5 minutes, particularly preferably at least 4 minutes.Furthermore, it has proven advantageous within the scope of the method according to the invention if the galvanized iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular is immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at most 60 minutes, in particular at most 45 minutes, preferably at most 30 minutes, particularly preferably at most 8 minutes.

[0099] When hot-dip galvanizing with the previously defined time period, a multi-phase or multi-layered overall hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed.

[0100] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is present after the hot-dip galvanizing.

[0101] In other words, it is particularly intended that a continuous hot-dip galvanized layer is present after carrying out the method according to the invention, rather than two separate layers arranged one on top of the other. In particular, a substantially uniform zinc layer with a particularly uniform surface and layer thickness is formed.

[0102] In particular, it may be provided in this context that during hot-dip galvanizing a multi-phase and / or multi-layer, in particular multi-phase, (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component.

[0103] In addition, it may also be provided in this context that an at least partially multi-phase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed during hot-dip galvanizing.

[0104] These Zn / Al / Fe phases can, in particular, comprise Zn, ZnAl, ZnFe, and / or AlFe phases; this is particularly the case when hot-dip galvanizing is carried out using an aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt. If a non-aluminum-alloyed or non-aluminum-containing zinc melt is used for hot-dip galvanizing, a multi-phase and / or at least partially layered (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer is provided, which consists of Zn and ZnFe phases.

[0105] The hot-dip galvanized coating obtained by the process according to the invention exhibits high corrosion protection properties and high ductility. Furthermore, this hot-dip galvanized coating is very bright and therefore visually particularly high-quality.

[0106] Without wishing to be limited to this theory, the zinc layer still present on the component is permeated with the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt from the hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular the aluminum contained therein. In particular, the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, in particular the aluminum contained therein, diffuses into the existing hot-dip galvanizing layer, forming an at least partially multiphase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases.

[0107] Furthermore, it can also be provided that the hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") diffuses at least partially into the already existing zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, of the component.

[0108] It may also be provided that the hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso and / or in such a way that a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with an aluminum concentration gradient is formed.

[0109] The aluminum concentration gradient—without wishing to be limited to this theory—results in particular from the increased affinity of aluminum to the iron of the iron or steel component. Due to this affinity, the aluminum in the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing, particularly in the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath, diffuses into the existing zinc layer (hot-dip galvanizing layer). According to a particular embodiment, however, it should be noted that the hot-dip galvanizing should not last so long, or not for a period of time during which the aluminum completely diffuses through and permeates the entire existing zinc layer and even replaces it. In particular, it can be provided that a new overall hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases results.

[0110] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the process can be at least 30 pm, in particular at least 35 pm, preferably at least 40 pm, particularly preferably at least 45 pm.

[0111] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the process can be at most 500 pm, in particular at most 450 pm, preferably at most 400 pm, particularly preferably at most 300 pm.

[0112] According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the process can be in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

[0113] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanizing can be carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the process is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

[0114] A (total) hot-dip galvanized layer resulting from the process according to the invention with the previously specified total layer thickness provides high corrosion protection properties. At the same time, such a zinc layer can be ductile, particularly if an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt is used in the hot-dip galvanizing process. In particular, a corresponding hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can be formed, in particular bent by 90°, without the corrosion protection properties being lost or without them being significantly or significantly reduced. In particular, a hot-dip galvanized component galvanized according to the hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention also exhibits high corrosion protection properties after forming or cold forming (e.g., 90° bending).

[0115] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that a cooling treatment takes place after the hot-dip galvanizing.

[0116] In other words, it may be provided that the iron or steel component obtained after hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a cooling treatment.

[0117] The optional cooling treatment can be carried out, for example, using air and / or in the presence of air, preferably to ambient temperature. Cooling facilitates subsequent handling. Furthermore, the cooling treatment solidifies the resulting hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0118] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that a post-processing treatment takes place after the hot-dip galvanizing.

[0119] In other words, it may be provided that the iron or steel component obtained after hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a post-processing treatment.

[0120] Possible post-processing options include, for example, removing excess zinc bath residue, especially so-called drips from the zinc solidifying on the edges, as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component, as well as passivating or sealing the surface. Post-processing particularly improves the quality of the hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0121] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous if the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement. It has also proven particularly advantageous within the scope of the method according to the invention if the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer in the range of 0.0001 kΩ • cm 2 up to 500 kΩ • cm 2 , especially in the range of 0.0001 kQ • cm 2 up to 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably in the range of 0.0001 kQ • cm 2 up to 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably in the range of 0.0001 kQ • cm 2 up to 200 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement.

[0122] If the electrical resistance of the surface of the zinc layer is within the previously defined upper limit or range, subsequent hot-dip galvanizing produces particularly good results. In particular, this results in a largely uniform and defect-free zinc layer that provides reliable corrosion protection properties.

[0123] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the electrical resistance is the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanized layer).

[0124] In this case, the covering layer is, in particular, the surface or outer region (edge ​​zone) of the zinc layer or hot-dip galvanized layer on the component, which interacts with the environment and forms zinc-based compounds through reaction with it. In other words, it is specifically intended that the electrical resistance of the covering layer be the electrical resistance of the edge zone of the zinc layer on the iron or steel component.

[0125] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, can be at least partially, in particular completely, galvanized on at least one surface, in particular having a zinc layer. In this context, it is particularly preferred if a full-surface or complete zinc layer is present on the component. Due to a preferably complete zinc layer still present, the component is typically not yet corroded. Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment, a new overall hot-dip galvanizing layer is then provided, which differs from a hot-dip galvanizing layer that is applied to a component not having a zinc layer.In particular, a zinc layer applied to a still existing zinc layer using the method according to the invention is particularly ductile and simultaneously provides particularly high corrosion protection properties. However, it is also possible to carry out the method according to the invention with a galvanized component in which the zinc layer is no longer complete or covers the entire surface.

[0126] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the activation treatment comprises a chemical and / or a mechanical treatment, in particular at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) one mechanical treatment.

[0127] Through an activation treatment, the oxidation layer or natural covering layer (which forms automatically on the zinc layer under oxidative conditions) of the existing zinc layer, as well as other impurities and corrosion products (of both zinc and iron), can be removed, making the existing zinc layer accessible and activated for hot-dip galvanizing. This allows for quick and reliable hot-dip galvanizing.

[0128] In particular, the chemical treatment may comprise at least one pickling treatment and / or flux treatment.

[0129] In particular, it may be provided that the chemical treatment is carried out using an aqueous saline solution, in particular with a pH value of less than 5.

[0130] In this context, it can also be provided that the chemical treatment is carried out for a period of time in the range of 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes. Chemical treatment with such a duration can remove impurities, the oxidation layer or natural covering layer formed under oxidative conditions, as well as corrosion products of the iron, from the remaining zinc layer and any exposed surface of the component, so that the existing zinc layer is made accessible and activated for hot-dip galvanizing. This enables fast and reliable hot-dip galvanizing. In particular, this duration usually leads to a detachment or dissolution of the oxidation layer and sufficient activation of the existing zinc layer.

[0131] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the chemical treatment is carried out by means of flux treatment in a flux composition in a flux bath.

[0132] Typically, the flux bath of the chemical treatment may comprise an aqueous and / or alcoholic, in particular aqueous, liquid phase, wherein the liquid phase of the flux bath contains the flux composition, in particular in dissolved or dispersed form, preferably in dissolved form.

[0133] In particular, the flux composition of the chemical treatment can comprise salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the salts are selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of zinc chloride (ZnCl?), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), alkali and / or alkaline earth chlorides, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl?), nickel chloride (NiCl?), bismuth chloride (Bids), tin chloride (SnCl?), manganese chloride (MnCl?), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof.

[0134] In this context, it can be provided that the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises as ingredients zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), as well as optionally wetting agents and optionally at least one further salt different from the aforementioned compounds, selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl2), nickel chloride (NiCl2), bismuth chloride (Bids), tin chloride (SnCl2), manganese chloride (MnCl2), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof.Within the scope of the invention, it has proven useful if the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the flux composition comprises at least zinc chloride (ZnCl?) and at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl).

[0135] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the flux composition of the chemical treatment is free of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl); or that the flux composition of the chemical treatment contains at least substantially no ammonium chloride (NH4Cl).

[0136] In particular, the flux bath of the chemical treatment may have a salt content of at least 20 wt.%, in particular of at least 30 wt.%, preferably of at least 50 wt.%, particularly preferably of at least 60 wt.%, based on the flux bath.

[0137] Typically, the flux bath of the chemical treatment may have a salt content of at most 90 wt.%, in particular of at most 85 wt.%, preferably of at most 80 wt.%, particularly preferably of at most 75 wt.%, based on the flux bath.

[0138] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content in the range of 20 wt.% to 90 wt.%, in particular in the range of 30 wt.% to 85 wt.%, preferably in the range of 50 wt.% to 80 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 60 wt.% to 75 wt.%, based on the flux bath.

[0139] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that the flux bath for the chemical treatment has a salt content in the range of 100 g / l to 800 g / l, in particular in the range of 140 g / l to 720 g / l, preferably in the range of 170 g / l to 670 g / l, particularly preferably in the range of 200 g / l to 600 g / l. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flux composition for the chemical treatment can comprise the following ingredients, whereby all quantities mentioned below are based on the flux composition and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results:

[0140] (i) zinc chloride (ZnCl?), in particular in amounts in the range of 50 to 95 wt.%, in particular in the range of 50 to 90 wt.%, preferably in the range of 60 to 85 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 65 to 82.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 70 to 82 wt.%,

[0141] (ii) ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0 to 50 wt.%, in particular in the range of 6 to 40 wt.%, preferably in the range of 7 to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 25 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 10 to 20 wt.%,

[0142] (iii) sodium chloride (NaCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 20 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12.5 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 10 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 4 to 8 wt.%, and

[0143] (iv) potassium chloride (KCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 12.5 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 10 wt%, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 8 wt%, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 6 wt%.

[0144] According to a further embodiment, the chemical treatment can be carried out by means of pickling treatment in a pickling treatment agent.

[0145] In particular, the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment can be carried out with a hydrochloric acid-containing (HCl-containing) and / or hydrochloric acid-based (HCl-based) pickling treatment agent, in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent has a pH value of less than 5.

[0146] In particular, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment is carried out with an acidic pickling treatment agent, in particular with a pickling treatment agent having a pH value of less than 5. Furthermore, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that the pickling treatment agent contains iron, in particular in the form of divalent and / or trivalent iron ions.

[0147] In particular, the trivalent iron ions (Fe3+ -ions) enhance the pickling effect.

[0148] In particular, in this context it may be provided that the pickling treatment agent contains zinc with a content of at least 10 g / l.

[0149] In this context, it may also be provided that the pickling treatment agent contains zinc at a level of at least 10 g / l and has an iron content of no more than 20% of the zinc content.

[0150] Furthermore, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that the pickling treatment agent contains at least one additive, in particular at least one pickling additive, in particular selected from the group of corrosion inhibitors, pickling cleaners, pickling accelerators and pickling enhancers and combinations thereof.

[0151] In this context, additives can be used to optimize the pickling effect. Possible pickling additives include inhibitors to prevent excessive attack and / or to protect the base material, or pickling enhancers to increase the attack. Commercial products are available from STOCKMEIER Holding GmbH, for example, Lerapas® BP, Leraclen® Pickling Degreaser, or Leraclen® 1227.

[0152] According to a further particular embodiment, the pickling treatment agent and / or the flux bath of the chemical treatment can contain at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant, in particular at least one ionic or non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant. In particular, the pickling treatment agent and / or the flux bath of the chemical treatment can contain the at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant in amounts of 0.0001 to 15 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.001 to 10 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 8 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 6 wt.%, very particularly preferably in amounts of 0.05 to 3 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the pickling treatment agent and / or flux bath.

[0153] According to yet another embodiment, the chemical treatment can be carried out by means of a pickling treatment and a flux treatment.

[0154] The combination of a pickling treatment and a flux treatment leads to a particularly efficient and essentially complete removal of the oxidation layer and other contaminants, such as corrosion products, and thus to a particularly uniform and defect-free hot-dip galvanizing.

[0155] In this context, in particular, the pickling treatment can be carried out first, followed by the flux treatment, with at least one rinsing process taking place after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

[0156] It has proven to be effective if the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment and the flux treatment of the chemical treatment are each carried out for a period of time in the range of 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0157] As previously stated, the time should be adapted, in particular, to the quality of the zinc surface to ensure complete removal of contaminants such as the oxidation layer and corrosion products of the zinc and / or iron. At the same time, however, both the flux treatment and the pickling treatment should be as short as possible to remove no, or essentially no, or as little as possible of the zinc layer. Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the chemical treatment, in particular the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment, takes place at elevated temperature.

[0158] In particular, the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment can be carried out at a temperature in the range of 20 °C to 90 °C, in particular in the range of 25 °C to 80 °C.

[0159] As previously stated, mechanical treatment can be carried out as part of the activation treatment.

[0160] According to a particular embodiment, the mechanical treatment may comprise an abrasive treatment.

[0161] In particular, the abrasive treatment can be selected from the group of blasting, in particular sandblasting, water blasting and / or dry ice blasting, grinding, brushing, lasering and combinations thereof.

[0162] It may also be possible to carry out the chemical treatment with a current.

[0163] According to a further particular embodiment, the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, can be determined before the activation treatment.

[0164] In this context, the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the activation treatment may be determined depending on the electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanised iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer.

[0165] Such a process is particularly advantageous because the effort required for the activation treatment can be specifically adjusted in advance, making the process particularly economical, ecological, economical, material-friendly, and resource-saving. In particular, the amount of removal can be reduced, and the effort required for the activation treatment can also be optimized. Thus, the effort required for the activation treatment can be adjusted or adjusted in advance so that, after the activation treatment, the electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer is at most 500 kΩ • cm. 2 amounts.

[0166] In particular, the activation treatment may comprise only a flux treatment or a pickling treatment and a flux treatment, depending on the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer.

[0167] As already explained above, this procedure makes it possible to specifically control and optimize the intensity and effort of the activation treatment. Particularly if the intensity is too high (for example, due to an excessively long or intensive pickling treatment), the surface, in particular the component surface and / or the surface zinc layer, may be excessively attacked or removed. Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it is particularly intended that as little material as possible is removed from the galvanized iron or steel component. Thus, the electrical resistance is, in particular, a measure of the necessary activation treatment.

[0168] In this context, it may be provided in particular that with an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment.

[0169] It can also be provided that if the electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer is more than 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as an activation treatment at least initially a pickling treatment followed by a flux treatment, in particular wherein a rinsing process takes place after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment, in particular by immersion in a water bath. The oxidation products of zinc, in particular zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide hydroxide, zinc bicarbonate and zinc carbonate, increase the electrical resistance compared to pure zinc, so that by removing these oxidation products and thus the natural top layer, the electrical resistance of the surface of the zinc layer typically also decreases.

[0170] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method as described above, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso,that the galvanised iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kΩ • cm, 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN IS0 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN IS0 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is determined before the activation treatment, wherein the activation treatment, depending on the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, comprises only a flux treatment or a pickling treatment and a flux treatment.

[0171] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method as described above, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso,that the galvanised iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kΩ • cm, 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is determined before the activation treatment, wherein the activation treatment, depending on the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, comprises only a flux treatment or a pickling treatment and a flux treatment, wherein at an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment and wherein at an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of more than 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as activation treatment at least initially a pickling treatment and subsequently a flux treatment is carried out, in particular wherein after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment a rinsing process is carried out, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

[0172] According to the present invention, it can be provided that before determining the electrical resistance, the composition of the zinc layer, in particular of the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is determined, in particular by means of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS).

[0173] The determination of a composition using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS) is well known to the person skilled in the art and thus constitutes common technical knowledge. This procedure is also described in DE 10 2014 013 160 A1 or on Wikipedia, in particular in the secondary sources cited therein, for example, a corresponding article from the TU Clausthal or on the website of SECOPTA analytics GmbH. In this regard, the corresponding statements in the aforementioned documents and sources are fully incorporated by reference, and are hereby expressly incorporated into the present application.

[0174] In particular, the measurement and / or the measurement parameters of the electrical resistance can be adapted to the composition of the zinc layer, in particular the hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0175] According to a particular embodiment, the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment can be subjected to a drying treatment. Carrying out a drying treatment after the activation treatment, and especially immediately before hot-dip galvanizing, has the advantage that no liquid is entrained into the zinc bath.

[0176] The drying treatment can be carried out at a temperature in the range of 30 °C to 400 °C, in particular in the range of 35 °C to 375 °C, preferably in the range of 40 °C to 350 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 50 °C to 325 °C.

[0177] In this context, it has proven useful if the drying treatment is carried out for a period of time in the range from 0.1 seconds to 60 minutes, in particular in the range from 1 second to 45 minutes, preferably in the range from 10 seconds to 35 minutes, particularly preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 30 minutes, even more preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 15 minutes.

[0178] The drying treatment can be carried out in the presence of and / or by means of air.

[0179] In this context, the drying treatment typically takes place in at least one drying device, in particular in at least one oven.

[0180] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is subjected to an inspection before the activation treatment.

[0181] According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is checked for suitability for regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse before the activation treatment.

[0182] In particular, the inspection can be performed using optical and / or mechanical and / or inductive and / or electrical and / or chemical methods. By prior inspection of the galvanized iron or steel component for suitability for regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse, components that can no longer be used even after regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse according to the invention can be eliminated.

[0183] In particular, it can be provided that the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is checked with regard to at least one specific property and / or a specific test parameter, in particular selected from the group of: condition and / or type of the existing zinc layer; composition and / or quality and / or strength of the steel part; degree of corrosion and / or wear of the steel part; optical condition of the steel part; deformation of the steel part compared to the original starting shape; degree of contamination of the existing zinc layer; type and / or concentration of oxidation products of the zinc layer (hot-dip galvanizing layer); type and / or concentration of deposits, in particular of salts, oxides, hydroxides and fats; marking of the steel part;Presence and / or condition of fastening options, in particular holes, threads and / or perforations; and presence of foreign coating materials.

[0184] Furthermore, in this context, it may also be provided that the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is prepared depending on the inspection, in particular by degreasing, corrective forming, pressing, rolling, bending, drilling and / or cutting.

[0185] It is thus possible to prepare a galvanized iron or steel component, which upon initial assessment is not suitable for regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse, in such a way that suitability is established. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, it can also be provided that the activation treatment, in particular the abrasive treatment, of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is carried out depending on the inspection, in particular in such a way that existing contamination, deposits, and / or corrosion products are removed.

[0186] It is thus possible to prepare a galvanized iron or steel component which, upon initial assessment, is not suitable for regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse in such a way that suitability is achieved. For this purpose, deformations can be repaired and contamination, deposits and / or corrosion products can be removed, thus making the surface of the galvanized iron or steel component accessible to the process according to the invention. However, such preparation is not possible for every unsuitable component; if the deformation is too severe or the proportion of contamination, deposits and / or corrosion products is too high or difficult to remove, it is possible that even during preparation the surface cannot be made accessible in such a way that sufficient corrosion protection properties are provided within the scope of the process according to the invention.It's also possible that the component itself is already so severely corroded that it no longer meets the mechanical requirements necessary for its intended use. In such cases, the component can be recycled, for example.

[0187] According to a particular embodiment, the method may comprise the following method steps in the order listed below:

[0188] (a) where appropriate, check the galvanised iron or steel component; then

[0189] (b) where appropriate, preparing the galvanised iron or steel component inspected in step (a); then

[0190] (c) if necessary, measuring the resistance of the galvanised iron or steel component, if necessary checked in step (a) and if necessary prepared in step (b); then (d) activating the galvanised iron or steel component, if necessary checked in step (a) and if necessary prepared in step (b); then

[0191] (e) optionally, drying treatment of the galvanised iron or steel component activated in process step (d); then

[0192] (f) hot-dip galvanising of the galvanised iron or steel component activated in process step (d) and, if appropriate, dried in process step (e); then

[0193] (g) where appropriate, cooling treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (f); then

[0194] (h) if necessary, post-processing of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (f) and, if necessary, cooled in process step (g).

[0195] As a result, the present invention provides an efficient, economical, ecological and sustainable process for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component.

[0196] A further subject matter - according to a second aspect of the present invention - is a plant (system) for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a plant (system) for carrying out a method described above, wherein the plant comprises the following devices in the order listed below:

[0197] - an activation device for activating the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the zinc layer, preferably

[0198] Hot-dip galvanizing layer; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence, a hot-dip galvanizing device for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt; wherein the system further comprises at least one measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0199] According to a particular embodiment, it can be provided that the measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0200] According to a further particular embodiment, it can be provided that the measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanized layer, is arranged downstream of the activation device.

[0201] According to yet another particular embodiment, it can be provided that the measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device and downstream of the activation device.

[0202] In particular, within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that the measuring device is arranged between the hot-dip galvanizing device and the activation device.

[0203] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanized layer, is designed to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanized layer). The electrical resistance at the surface can be determined, for example, using a gel electrolyte. Since the gel electrolyte is less reactive than a liquid electrolyte, measurements of the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer using a gel electrolyte—as surprisingly discovered by the applicant—provide more reliable results.

[0204] Within the scope of the present invention, according to a particular embodiment, a further measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanized layer, can be arranged upstream of the activation device.

[0205] In particular, the further measuring device can be designed to measure an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanizing layer, to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer).

[0206] It is thus possible for the system according to the invention to have two or more measuring devices for measuring an electrical resistance.

[0207] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided that the activation device comprises at least one fluxing device and / or pickling device and optionally a mechanical activation device.

[0208] In particular, the flux device can be arranged downstream of the pickling device, and the pickling device can be arranged downstream of the mechanical activation device. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the invention also relates to a plant (system) for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a plant (system) for carrying out a method as described above, in particular a plant as described above, wherein the plant comprises the following devices in the order listed below:

[0209] - an activation device for activating the galvanized iron or

[0210] Steel component, in particular a zinc layer, preferably

[0211] hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component; downstream and / or arranged downstream of this in the process sequence

[0212] - a hot-dip galvanizing device for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt; wherein the plant further comprises at least one measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein the activation device comprises at least one fluxing device and / or pickling device and optionally a mechanical activation device.

[0213] Within the scope of the present invention, the measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance can be arranged on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0214] The measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance can also be arranged on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanized layer, in particular downstream of the activation device.

[0215] Furthermore, it can also be provided that the measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device and downstream of the activation device. Furthermore, it can be provided that the measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is designed to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer).

[0216] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, a further measuring device for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanized layer, can be arranged upstream of the activation device.

[0217] In particular, the further measuring device can be designed to measure an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanizing layer, to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer).

[0218] According to a particular embodiment, the system according to the invention can thus comprise several measuring devices for measuring an electrical resistance.

[0219] It can also be provided within the scope of the present invention that a cooling device is arranged downstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0220] The optional cooling device can, for example, be designed for cooling by means of air and / or in the presence of air, preferably for cooling to ambient temperature. Cooling facilitates subsequent handling and solidifies the resulting hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0221] Furthermore, in the plant according to the invention, a post-processing device can be arranged downstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0222] In particular, the post-processing device can be arranged downstream of the cooling device. Consequently, it can be provided, in particular, that the post-processing device is arranged downstream of and / or in the process sequence downstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device and downstream of and / or in the process sequence downstream of the cooling device.

[0223] The post-processing device can be designed, for example, to remove excess zinc bath residues, in particular so-called drips from the zinc solidifying at the edges, as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component, as well as to passivate or seal the surface. Post-processing particularly improves the quality of the hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0224] According to a further particular embodiment, the system according to the invention can be designed such that, in particular upstream of the measuring device and / or the further measuring device, a spectroscopy device is also arranged.

[0225] In particular, the spectroscopy device can be designed to carry out a measurement by means of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS).

[0226] In this context, the spectroscopy device may comprise at least one laser and at least one detector, in particular a spectrometer.

[0227] As previously explained in connection with the method according to the invention, the composition of the zinc layer can be determined by means of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS), with the measurement and / or the measurement parameters of the electrical resistance subsequently being adapted to the composition of the zinc layer.

[0228] Within the scope of the present invention, it can further be provided that a drying device, in particular an oven, is arranged downstream of the activation device.

[0229] According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, a testing device can be arranged upstream of the activation device. In particular, the testing device can be designed for optical and / or mechanical and / or inductive and / or electrical and / or chemical testing of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc coating, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing coating.

[0230] In addition, the inspection device can comprise at least one device for optical and / or mechanical and / or inductive and / or electrical and / or chemical inspection of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0231] According to yet another particular embodiment, the system may comprise the following devices and means in the order listed below:

[0232] (ÜV) if necessary, at least one inspection device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0233] (SV) optionally a spectroscopy device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0234] (MV) if necessary, a further measuring device; arranged downstream and / or in the process flow

[0235] (AV) at least one activation device, in particular wherein the activation device comprises at least one fluxing device and / or pickling device and optionally a mechanical activation device, in particular wherein the fluxing device is arranged downstream of the pickling device and the pickling device is arranged downstream of the mechanical activation device; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence

[0236] (TE) optionally at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0237] (SV) optionally a spectroscopy device; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence (MV) at least one measuring device; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence

[0238] (FZ) at least one hot-dip galvanizing device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0239] (AK) optionally at least one cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0240] (NV) if necessary, at least one post-processing device.

[0241] For further details of the system according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention, reference can be made to the above statements with regard to the first aspect of the invention, which also apply correspondingly to the system according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0242] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component, obtainable by a previously described process and / or obtainable in a previously described plant.

[0243] The present invention also relates to a hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component, in particular a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component as described above, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component is obtainable in that a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, has been subjected to an activation treatment, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has subsequently been subjected to hot-dip galvanizing. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component has a (complete) hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0244] It can be provided that the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component has a multi-phase and / or multi-layer, in particular multi-phase, (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer on the base material of the iron or steel component.

[0245] Consequently, according to the invention, there is typically no uniform hot-dip galvanized coating. In particular, this coating contains multiple layers or intermetallic phases. In particular, in the context of the present invention, this means that there is no uniform composition within this coating, but rather different regions (i.e., layers or phases) with different compositions, in particular different amounts of the individual components (i.e., different amounts of zinc, aluminum, iron, and optionally other metals).

[0246] In this context, it can also be provided that the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component has an at least partially multiphase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases. These Zn / Al / Fe phases can, in particular, comprise Zn, ZnAl, ZnFe, and / or AlFe phases; this is particularly the case if the corresponding hot-dip galvanizing is carried out using an aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt.

[0247] If a non-aluminium alloyed or non-aluminium-containing zinc melt is used in the hot-dip galvanizing process, a multi-phase and / or at least partially layered (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is provided, which consists of Zn and ZnFe phases.

[0248] The hot-dip galvanized coating obtained by the process according to the invention exhibits high corrosion protection properties and high ductility. In addition, this hot-dip galvanized coating is very bright and thus visually particularly high-quality. Furthermore, in this context, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have a (full) hot-dip galvanized coating with an aluminum concentration gradient.

[0249] Furthermore, in this context, it can be provided that the multi-phase and / or multi-layer, in particular multi-phase, (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer has an aluminum concentration gradient.

[0250] In this context, the term "aluminum concentration gradient" used in the invention refers in particular to the fact that the aluminum concentration in the (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer is irregularly distributed or not uniform throughout, particularly in such a way that a particularly high amount of aluminum is present on the outside, and, in addition, an increased amount of aluminum is also present directly or immediately on the base material. The increased amount of aluminum in the base material is particularly attributable to—without wishing to be limited to this theory—a high affinity between the aluminum and the iron, so that a portion of the aluminum diffuses into the base material. In other words, the aluminum concentration is therefore relatively low, particularly in the interior or "center" of the (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0251] The (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can vary in other areas:

[0252] In particular, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a total layer thickness of at least 30 pm, in particular at least 35 pm, preferably at least 40 pm, particularly preferably at least 45 pm.

[0253] In addition, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a total layer thickness of at most 500 μm, in particular at most 450 μm, preferably at most 400 μm, particularly preferably at most 300 μm. Furthermore, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a total layer thickness in the range from 30 μm to 500 μm, in particular in the range from 35 μm to 450 μm, preferably in the range from 40 μm to 400 μm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 μm to 300 μm.

[0254] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can be designed to be bendable to 90° at least substantially without impairing the corrosion protection performance.

[0255] In particular, this means that the corrosion protection performance does not deteriorate, or at least not significantly deteriorates, when the hot-dip galvanized component is bent at 90°. In particular, the hot-dip galvanized component maintains very high corrosion protection performance even after a 90° bend.

[0256] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component, in particular with a base material thickness of the iron or steel component of at least 2 mm and a total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 30 pm, after 90° bending with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 1,250 h, preferably at least 1,500 h, particularly preferably at least 1,750 h, very particularly preferably at least 2,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation.

[0257] In the context of the present invention, a previously mentioned residence time in the salt spray test without red rust formation shows a high corrosion protection performance.

[0258] Red rust is primarily the corrosion products of iron and steel (iron oxides) and indicates damage to the substrate originally intended to be protected by the hot-dip galvanized layer. Red rust is thus formed when corrosion protection is inadequate. In particular, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component, especially with a total hot-dip galvanized layer of at least 350 g / m 2 , with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 2,000 h, preferably at least 5,000 h, particularly preferably at least 8,000 h, very particularly preferably at least 10,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation.

[0259] In comparison, state-of-the-art hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components can only remain in the salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 for about 800 hours without red rust formation with a hot-dip galvanized layer of even 550 g / m 2 . Thus, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components according to the invention can remain in the salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 for a longer period of time without red rust formation and even with a lower layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0260] Without wishing to be limited to this theory, this improvement in corrosion protection performance is attributable to the special multi-layer or multi-phase structure of the (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention, in particular to the presence of an at least partially multi-phase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases.

[0261] The hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention is also associated with a multitude of completely unexpected advantages, special features and surprising technical effects, the following description of which makes no claim to completeness, but illustrates the inventive nature of the present invention:

[0262] As the applicant has now discovered, quite surprisingly, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention exhibits higher corrosion protection with the same thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer compared to a conventional pure zinc layer. In particular, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention has an at least partially multiphase and / or at least partially layered (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer consisting of Zn / Al / Fe phases. The hot-dip galvanizing layer exhibits high corrosion protection properties and high ductility. In addition, the hot-dip galvanizing layer is very bright and thus visually particularly high-quality.

[0263] These Zn / Al / Fe phases may in particular comprise Zn, ZnAl, ZnFe and / or AlFe phases; this is particularly the case when hot-dip galvanizing is carried out using an aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt.

[0264] If a non-aluminium alloyed or non-aluminium-containing zinc melt is used for hot-dip galvanizing, a multi-phase and / or at least partially layered (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is provided, which consists of Zn and ZnFe phases.

[0265] The hot-dip galvanized coating produced by the invention exhibits high corrosion protection properties and high ductility. In addition, this hot-dip galvanized coating is very bright and therefore visually particularly high-quality.

[0266] Surprisingly, the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized component according to the invention, which contains Zn / Al / Fe phases, cannot be obtained by known processes. The hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized component according to the invention thus provides different properties that cannot be achieved by known hot-dip galvanizing layers obtainable in one-step processes.

[0267] In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized component according to the invention is more ductile and thus less brittle than a pure zinc layer and can therefore be formed or cold-formed, for example bent through 90°, without the corrosion protection properties being lost or significantly impaired. At the same time, the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized component according to the invention can be provided with a greater layer thickness than a conventional aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer (i.e. an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer which is applied directly or immediately to a component without an existing zinc layer), in particular because the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized component according to the invention is not limited by a maximum achievable layer thickness (as is the case with an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer which is customary in the prior art.aluminum alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer through the formation of an Fe / Al barrier layer).

[0268] In particular, the thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized component according to the invention is essentially unlimited, as is the case with an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer that is conventional in the prior art and obtainable by a single-stage hot-dip galvanizing process. Thus, hot-dip galvanizing layers with a high aluminum enrichment and a thickness of significantly more than 25 μm can also be provided. At the same time, the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized component according to the invention also exhibits the advantages of an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, such as gloss, ductility, and high corrosion protection properties.

[0269] For further details on the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, reference can be made to the above statements with regard to the first and second aspects of the invention, which also apply correspondingly to the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

[0270] Finally, a further subject matter of the present invention - according to a fourth aspect of the present invention - is the use in connection with a hot-dip galvanizing process according to the present invention.

[0271] In particular, the subject matter of the present invention according to this aspect is the use of a hot-dip galvanizing process for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing.

[0272] Within the scope of the present invention, a galvanized iron or steel component can thus be regenerated, reprocessed, or reused, in particular without having to completely remove the existing zinc layer. This procedure is, as previously stated, particularly economical, ecological, economical, material-friendly, resource-saving, and involves minimal effort.

[0273] Furthermore, according to this aspect of the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention is the use of the electrical resistance on the surface of a zinc layer of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for setting an activation treatment, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, for preparing the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for hot-dip galvanizing,in particular, the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the activation treatment depends on the electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0274] In particular, it can be provided that with an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of maximum 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment.

[0275] It can also be provided that if the electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer is more than 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as activation treatment at least initially a pickling treatment and subsequently a flux treatment is carried out, in particular wherein after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment a rinsing process is carried out, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

[0276] By adjusting the activation treatment based on the electrical resistance of the surface of the zinc layer, the process can be made particularly sustainable. In this context, the electrical resistance is a measure of the quality of the zinc layer and thus a measure of the necessary extent of the activation treatment.

[0277] Yet another object of the present invention according to this aspect of the present invention is the use of the electrical resistance on the surface of a zinc layer of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for determining the condition and / or quality of the zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of the iron or steel component having the zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, by means of subsequent hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing).In this context, it can be provided that the galvanized iron or steel component is subjected to an activation treatment in preparation for hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, wherein the electrical resistance at the surface of a zinc layer is used and / or utilized to adjust the activation treatment.

[0278] In particular, the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the activation treatment can be carried out depending on the electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0279] It has been found to be particularly advantageous if, with an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of maximum 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN IS0 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment.

[0280] In addition, it has also been found to be advantageous if, with an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of more than 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as activation treatment at least initially a pickling treatment and subsequently a flux treatment is carried out, in particular wherein after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment a rinsing process is carried out, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

[0281] For further details on the uses according to the fourth aspect of the invention, reference can be made to the above statements with respect to the preceding aspects of the invention, which also apply correspondingly to the uses according to the fourth aspect of the invention. Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and the drawings themselves. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims and their dependencies.

[0282] It shows:

[0283] Fig. 1 shows a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to a particular embodiment of the present invention,

[0284] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0285] Fig. 1 shows a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, wherein the iron or steel component 1 has a multilayer (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer 3 applied to the base material of the iron or steel component 2. The multilayer or multiphase hot-dip galvanizing layer 3 comprises an at least partially multiphase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases. For further details, reference can be made to the above explanations.

[0286] Fig. 2 shows a hot-dip galvanizing plant AZ according to a particular embodiment, wherein the devices are shown in the corresponding order or sequence of the process steps to be carried out (i.e. in the order or sequence of the process direction): The hot-dip galvanizing plant AZ initially comprises a checking device ÜV, arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a spectroscopy device SV, arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a further measuring device MV', arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence an activation device AV, arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a drying device TE, arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a spectroscopy device SV, arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a measuring device MV,downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence there is a hot-dip galvanizing device FZ, downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence there is a cooling device AK, downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence there is a post-processing device AV. For further details, please refer to the above explanations.

[0287] Further embodiments, modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent and achievable to a person skilled in the art upon reading the description without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0288] The present invention is illustrated by the following embodiments, which are not intended to limit the present invention in any way, but are intended to explain merely exemplary and non-limiting implementations and embodiments.

[0289] EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0290] Example 1: Influence of activation treatment on zinc layer thickness

[0291] To investigate the influence of activation treatment on the zinc layer thickness, hot-dip galvanized steel sheets measuring 100 mm x 200 mm x 2 mm are subjected to various activation treatments. In particular, the removal of the zinc layer is examined.

[0292] The hot-dip galvanized steel sheets were galvanized in a so-called pure zinc bath according to DIN EN ISO 1461 and DASt guideline 022.

[0293] This is followed by an activation treatment in one of the following baths A to C and the zinc layer thickness over time is determined.

[0294] Table 1 : Activation baths used

[0295] Bath A corresponds to a conventional dezincification bath with low acid and high zinc concentration. To determine the removal rate, galvanized steel sheets are immersed in Bath A in a pure zinc bath, and the layer thickness is measured at time intervals. The corresponding results are shown in Table 2:

[0296] Table 2: Zinc layer thickness as a function of time when immersed in bath A Bath B is a weaker version of Bath A. To determine the removal rate, galvanized steel sheets in a pure zinc bath are immersed in Bath B, and the layer thickness is measured at time intervals. The corresponding results are shown in Table 3:

[0297] Table 3: Zinc layer thickness as a function of time when immersed in bath B

[0298] Bath C corresponds to a pickling solution used in conventional galvanizing processes (i.e., high iron and low zinc content). To determine the removal rate, steel sheets galvanized in a pure zinc bath are immersed in Bath C, and the coating thickness is measured at time intervals. The corresponding results are shown in Table 4:

[0299] Table 4: Zinc layer thickness as a function of time when immersed in bath C Overall, the following removal rates can be determined from the tests carried out:

[0300] Table 5: Removal rates

[0301] Overall, Baths A and B allow for precise and targeted pickling and stripping of galvanized components. Using Bath C, precise and targeted pickling and stripping of galvanized components is more difficult. However, Bath C allows for the removal of larger quantities of contaminants in a shorter time.

[0302] Example 2: Dependence of the galvanizing result on the electrical resistance The relationship between the electrical resistance of the surface of the zinc layer and the galvanizing result of both hot-dip galvanizing in a pure zinc bath according to DIN 1461 and in an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath according to DIN 50997 is investigated.

[0303] For this purpose, steel sheets measuring 150 mm x 200 mm x 2 mm are galvanized in a pure zinc bath according to DIN 1461. The steel sheets are then exposed to oxidative and, if necessary, corrosive conditions. Before a second galvanizing process, either in a pure zinc bath according to DIN 1461 or in an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath according to DIN 50997, the surface layer resistance is determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and DIN 50918 using potentiostatic polarization measurement and a gel electrolyte, and an activation treatment is performed.

[0304] The activation treatment consists of either a flux treatment alone or a flux treatment and a pickling treatment with an intermediate rinsing step. The flux used in the flux treatment is water-based and contains the following ingredients (weights based on dry weight): 60% zinc chloride and 40% ammonium chloride, with the flux bath having a pH of less than 5. The pickling treatment is carried out with a hydrochloric acid-based pickling solution with a pH of less than 5. The resulting zinc layer is then assessed for defects, particularly whether the zinc layer is uniform and flawless.

[0305] Table 6: Galvanizing results A defect-free galvanizing in a pure zinc bath according to DIN 1461 or in an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath according to DIN 50997 with only a flux treatment as an activation treatment is only possible with a top layer resistance according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and DIN 50918 of less than 500 kΩ • cm 2 possible. With a cover layer resistance according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and DIN 50918 above 500 kΩ • cm 2 A pickling treatment and a flux treatment are necessary to obtain a zinc layer without defects.

[0306] Example 2: Corrosion protection performance

[0307] To test the corrosion protection performance of the hot-dip galvanized layers obtainable according to the process according to the invention, hot-dip galvanized steel sheets measuring 100 mm x 200 mm x 2 mm are hot-dip galvanized with a pure zinc bath according to DIN 1461 after storage under oxidative conditions for 48 h according to the process according to the invention using an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath according to DIN 50997. Since the steel sheets each have an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of maximum 500 kΩ • cm 2 , determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and DIN 50918, only a flux treatment is carried out before hot-dip galvanizing. The flux used in the flux treatment is water-based and contains the following ingredients (weight data based on dry weight): 60% zinc chloride and 40% ammonium chloride, with the flux bath having a pH of less than 5.

[0308] Microscopic analyses show that on the steel sheets regenerated or reprocessed according to the method according to the invention there are not two different or separate hot-dip galvanizing layers on top of each other, but rather that the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt diffuses into the zinc layer from the existing hot-dip galvanizing. Overall, there is therefore a multi-layer (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer on the base material of the iron or steel component, with an at least partially multi-phase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases and an aluminum gradient. In addition, new steel sheets (i.e. those without a zinc layer) measuring 100 mm x 200 mm x 2 mm are hot-dip galvanized according to the usual procedure in a pure zinc bath according to DIN 1461 or in an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath according to DIN 50997.Beforehand, the steel sheets are degreased, rinsed, pickled, rinsed, treated with a flux and dried according to the usual procedure.

[0309] All zinc sheets are then treated with a ZINQ® duropass passivation (passivation with chromium(lll)).

[0310] To verify corrosion protection performance, the steel sheets are subjected to a salt spray test in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227 for 1008 hours, both in straight or unprocessed form and after bending by 90° (i.e., after cold forming). The amount of white and red rust formed on the surface is then determined, with the proportion of the surface exhibiting white and red rust being indicated.

[0311] Table 7: Results of straight sheets

[0312] Table 8: Results of the sheets bent by 90° The white rust that forms is the corrosion products of the zinc (zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc carbonate, and the like), which only affects the visual appearance; it is therefore not material damage, as the base material remains intact or uncorroded. The red rust that forms, on the other hand, is the corrosion products of the iron- or steel-based base material or component (namely, iron oxides), which indicates material damage; red rust therefore only forms when corrosion protection is inadequate.

[0313] As can be seen from the results in Tables 7 and 8, neither the straight nor the formed components regenerated or reconditioned using the hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention exhibited any red rust after 1,008 hours in the salt spray test. In contrast, red rust formed on the surface of both the straight and formed components hot-dip galvanized in the Zn melt and the Zn / Al melt. This is due—without wishing to be limited to this theory—to the specific layer structure described above.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment before hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.%, in particular at most 97 wt.%, preferably at most 96 wt.%, of zinc; and / or wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing is an aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"); in particular wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, of aluminum; and / or in particular wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains at most 45 wt.%, in particular at most 25 wt.%, preferably at most 8 wt.%, particularly preferably at most 6 wt.-%, of aluminum; and / or in particular wherein the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

4. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

5. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.%, in particular at most 97 wt.%, preferably at most 96 wt.%, of zinc and wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, of aluminum.

6. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55% by weight to 98% by weight and aluminum in amounts in the range from 2% by weight to 45% by weight.

7. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%, and wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

8. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment before hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, and wherein subsequently the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment,in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer is subjected to hot-dip galvanising, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanising contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98% by weight of zinc and optionally at least 2% by weight of aluminium.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the activation treatment is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement.

10. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component is subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and optionally at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment before hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in particular in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement.

12. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso,that the galvanised iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kΩ • cm, 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and optionally at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.%, in particular at most 97 wt.%, preferably at most 96 wt.%, of zinc; and / or wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing is an aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"); in particular wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, of aluminum; and / or in particular wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains at most 45 wt.%, in particular at most 25 wt.%, preferably at most 8 wt.%, particularly preferably at most 6 wt.-%, of aluminum; and / or in particular wherein the zinc melt used in hot-dip galvanizing, in particular the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

15. A process according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.% zinc and at least 2 wt.% aluminum.

16. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 98 wt.%, in particular at most 97 wt.%, preferably at most 96 wt.%, of zinc, and wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, of aluminum.

17. A process according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55% by weight to 98% by weight and aluminum in amounts in the range from 2% by weight to 45% by weight.

18. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, zinc in amounts in the range from 55 wt.% to 98 wt.%, in particular in the range from 65 wt.% to 97 wt.%, preferably in the range from 75 wt.% to 96 wt.%, and wherein the zinc melt used in the hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 2 wt.% to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

19. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing has the following composition, wherein all quantities stated below are based on the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results: (i) zinc (Zn), in particular in amounts in the range from 55% to 98% by weight, in particular in the range from 65% to 97% by weight, preferably in the range from 75% to 96% by weight, (ii) aluminum (AI), in particular in amounts in the range from 2 wt% to 45 wt%, in particular in the range from 3 wt% to 8 wt%, preferably in the range from 4 wt% to 6 wt%, (iii) optionally magnesium (Mg), in particular in amounts in the range from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%, in particular in the range from 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, preferably in the range from 0.1 wt% to 2 wt%; (iii) optionally at least one further metal, in particular in (total) amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si) and combinations thereof.

20. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 465 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 415 °C to 455 °C.

21. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular immersed therein and moved, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time in the range of 0.0001 to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 0.001 to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 30 minutes, particularly preferably in the range of 4 to 8 minutes;and / or wherein the galvanized iron or steel component is immersed, in particular immersed and moved, in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at least 0.0001 minutes, in particular at least 0.001 minutes, preferably at least 0.5 minutes, particularly preferably at least 4 minutes;and / or wherein the galvanized iron or steel component is immersed, in particular immersed and moved, in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the hot-dip galvanizing, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at most 60 minutes, in particular at most 45 minutes, preferably at most 30 minutes, particularly preferably at most 8 minutes.; 22. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a (complete) hot-dip galvanizing layer is present after hot-dip galvanizing; in particular, wherein a multi-phase and / or multi-layer, in particular multi-phase, (complete) hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component during hot-dip galvanizing; and / or in particular, wherein an at least partially multi-phase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed during hot-dip galvanizing; and / or in particular, wherein the hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") at least partially diffuses into the already existing zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, of the component;and / or in particular wherein the hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso and / or in such a way that a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with an aluminum concentration gradient is formed; 23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the method is at least 30 μm, in particular at least 35 μm, preferably at least 40 μm, particularly preferably at least 45 μm; and / or wherein the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the method is at most 500 μm, in particular at most 450 μm, preferably at most 400 μm, particularly preferably at most 300 μm; and / or wherein the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the method is in the range from 30 μm to 500 μm, in particular in the range from 35 μm to 450 μm, preferably in the range from 40 μm to 400 μm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 μm to 300 μm; and / or wherein the hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the process is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

24. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cooling treatment takes place after hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a cooling treatment; and / or wherein a post-processing treatment takes place after hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a post-processing treatment.

25. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement; and / or wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer in the range of 0.0001 kΩ • cm 2 up to 500 kΩ • cm 2 , especially in the range of 0.0001 kQ • cm 2 up to 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably in the range of 0.0001 kQ • cm 2 up to 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably in the range of 0.0001 kQ • cm 2up to 200 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement.

26. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical resistance is the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer).

27. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is at least partially, in particular completely, galvanized on at least one surface, in particular has a zinc layer.

28. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation treatment comprises at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) one mechanical treatment; in particular wherein the chemical treatment comprises at least one pickling treatment and / or flux treatment; and / or in particular wherein the chemical treatment is carried out by means of an aqueous saline solution, in particular with a pH of less than 5; and / or in particular wherein the chemical treatment is carried out for a period in the range from 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range from 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range from 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

29. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chemical treatment is carried out by means of flux treatment in a flux composition in a flux bath; in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment comprises an aqueous and / or alcoholic, in particular aqueous, liquid phase, wherein the liquid phase of the flux bath contains the flux composition, in particular in dissolved or dispersed form, preferably in dissolved form, and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the salts are selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of zinc chloride (ZnCl?), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), alkali and / or alkaline earth chlorides, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl?), nickel chloride (NiCl?), bismuth chloride (Bids), tin chloride (SnCl?), manganese chloride (MnCl?), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof;and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises as ingredients zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), as well as optionally wetting agents and optionally at least one further salt different from the aforementioned compounds, selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl2), nickel chloride (NiCl2), bismuth chloride (Bis), tin chloride (SnCl2), manganese chloride (MnCl2), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof;and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the flux composition comprises at least zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl); and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment is free of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl); and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment contains at least substantially no ammonium chloride (NH4Cl); and / or in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content of at least 20 wt.%, in particular of at least 30 wt.%, preferably of at least 50 wt.%, particularly preferably of at least 60 wt.%, based on the flux bath; and / or; in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content of at most 90 wt.%, in particular of at most 85 wt.%, preferably of at most 80 wt.%, particularly preferably of at most 75 wt.%, based on the flux bath; and / or in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content in the range of 20 wt.% to 90 wt.%, in particular in the range of 30 wt.% to 85 wt.%, preferably in the range of 50 wt.% to 80 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 60 wt.% to 75 wt.%, based on the flux bath; and / or in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content in the range of 100 g / l to 800 g / l, in particular in the range of 140 g / l to 720 g / l, preferably in the range of 170 g / l to 670 g / l, particularly preferably in the range of 200 g / l to 600 g / l.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises the following ingredients, wherein all quantities mentioned below are based on the flux composition and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results: (i) zinc chloride (ZnCl?), in particular in amounts in the range of 50 to 95 wt.%, in particular in the range of 50 to 90 wt.%, preferably in the range of 60 to 85 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 65 to 82.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 70 to 82 wt.%, (ii) ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0 to 50 wt.%, in particular in the range of 6 to 40 wt.%, preferably in the range of 7 to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 25 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 10 to 20 wt.%, (iii) sodium chloride (NaCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 20 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12.5 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 10 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 4 to 8 wt.%, and (iv) potassium chloride (KCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 12.5 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 10 wt%, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 8 wt%, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 6 wt%.

31. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chemical treatment is carried out by means of pickling treatment in a pickling treatment agent; in particular wherein the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment is carried out with a hydrochloric acid-containing (HCl-containing) and / or hydrochloric acid-based (HCl-based) pickling treatment agent, in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent has a pH of less than 5; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment is carried out with an acidic pickling treatment agent, in particular with a pickling treatment agent with a pH of less than 5; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent contains iron, in particular in the form of divalent and / or trivalent iron ions; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent contains zinc with a content of at least 10 g / l;and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent contains zinc at a content of at least 10 g / l and has an iron content of at most 20% of the zinc content; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent contains at least one additive, in particular at least one pickling additive, in particular selected from the group of corrosion inhibitors, pickling cleaners, pickling accelerators, and pickling enhancers, as well as combinations thereof.

32. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pickling treatment agent and / or the flux bath of the chemical treatment contains and / or contains at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant, in particular at least one ionic or non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant; in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent and / or the flux bath of the chemical treatment contains and / or contains the at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant in amounts of 0.0001 to 15 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.001 to 10 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 8 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 6 wt.%, very particularly preferably in amounts of 0.05 to 3 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the pickling treatment agent and / or flux bath.

33. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chemical treatment is carried out by means of a pickling treatment and a flux treatment; in particular wherein the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment and the flux treatment of the chemical treatment each take place for a period of time in the range from 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range from 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range from 10 seconds to 30 minutes; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment is carried out first and then the flux treatment, wherein a rinsing process takes place after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

34. Method according to one of the preceding claims 28 to 33, wherein the chemical treatment, in particular the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment, takes place at elevated temperature; in particular wherein the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment takes place at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 90°C, in particular in the range of 25°C to 80°C.

35. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical treatment comprises an abrasive treatment; in particular wherein the abrasive treatment is selected from the group of blasting, in particular sandblasting, water blasting and / or dry ice blasting, grinding, brushing, lasering, and combinations thereof.

36. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is determined before the activation treatment; in particular wherein the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the activation treatment is carried out as a function of the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer; and / or in particular wherein the activation treatment comprises only a flux treatment or a pickling treatment and a flux treatment, depending on the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein at an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment; and / or where an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of more than 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as activation treatment at least initially a pickling treatment and subsequently a flux treatment is carried out, in particular wherein after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment a rinsing process is carried out, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

38. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment before hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is determined before the activation treatment, wherein the activation treatment comprises only a flux treatment or a pickling treatment and a flux treatment, depending on the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer.

39. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso,that the galvanised iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of not more than 500 kΩ • cm, 2 , in particular not more than 300 kΩ • cm 2 , preferably not more than 250 kΩ • cm 2 , particularly preferably not more than 200 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is determined before the activation treatment, wherein the activation treatment, depending on the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, comprises only a flux treatment or a pickling treatment and a flux treatment, wherein at an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment and wherein at an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of more than 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as activation treatment at least initially a pickling treatment and subsequently a flux treatment is carried out, in particular wherein after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment a rinsing process is carried out, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

40. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, before determining the electrical resistance, the composition of the zinc layer, in particular the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is determined, in particular by means of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS); in particular, wherein the measurement and / or measurement parameters of the electrical resistance are adapted to the composition of the zinc layer, in particular the hot-dip galvanizing layer.

41. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subjected to a drying treatment; in particular wherein the drying treatment takes place at a temperature in the range from 30°C to 400°C, in particular in the range from 35°C to 375°C, preferably in the range from 40°C to 350°C, particularly preferably in the range from 50°C to 325°C; and / or in particular wherein the drying treatment takes place for a period of time in the range from 0.1 second to 60 min, in particular in the range from 1 second to 45 min, preferably in the range from 10 seconds to 35 min, particularly preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 30 min, even more preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 15 min; and / or in particular wherein the drying treatment takes place in the presence of and / or by means of air; and / or in particular wherein the drying treatment takes place in at least one drying device, in particular in at least one oven.

42. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is subjected to an inspection prior to the activation treatment; and / or wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is checked for suitability for regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse prior to the activation treatment; in particular wherein the inspection is carried out by optical and / or mechanical and / or inductive and / or electrical and / or chemical methods.

43. Method according to claim 42, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanized layer, is checked with respect to at least one specific property and / or a specific test parameter, in particular selected from the group of: condition and / or type of the existing zinc layer; composition and / or quality and / or strength of the steel part; degree of corrosion and / or wear of the steel part; optical condition of the Steel part; deformation of the steel part compared to the original starting shape; degree of contamination of the existing zinc layer; type and / or concentration of oxidation products of the zinc layer (hot-dip galvanizing layer); type and / or concentration of deposits, in particular of salts, oxides, hydroxides and greases; marking of the steel part; presence and / or condition of fastening options, in particular holes, threads and / or openings; and presence of foreign coating materials.

44. Method according to claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is prepared depending on the inspection, in particular by degreasing, corrective forming, pressing, rolling, bending, drilling and / or cutting; and / or wherein the activation treatment, in particular the abrasive treatment, of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, is carried out depending on the inspection, in particular in such a way that existing contamination, deposits and / or corrosion products are removed.

45. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following method steps in the order listed below: (a) where appropriate, check the galvanised iron or steel component; then (b) where appropriate, preparing the galvanised iron or steel component inspected in step (a); then (c) where appropriate, measuring the resistance of the galvanised iron or steel component, if any, checked in step (a) and if any, prepared in step (b); then (d) activating the galvanised iron or steel component inspected in process step (a) and, if applicable, prepared in process step (b); then (e) optionally, drying treatment of the galvanised iron or steel component activated in process step (d); then (f) hot-dip galvanising of the galvanised iron or steel component activated in process step (d) and, if appropriate, dried in process step (e); then (g) where appropriate, cooling treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (f); then (h) if necessary, post-processing of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (f) and, if necessary, cooled in process step (g).

46. ​​Plant (system) (AF) for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a plant (system) (AF) for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant comprises the following devices in the following order: - an activation device (AV) for activating the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence, a hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ) for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt; wherein the plant further comprises at least one measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanizing layer.

47. Plant according to claim 46, wherein the measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ); and / or wherein the measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged downstream of the activation device (AV); and / or wherein the measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ) and downstream of the activation device (AV);and / or wherein the measuring device (MV) is designed to measure an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanizing layer, to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer); 48. Plant according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein a further measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the activation device (AV); in particular, wherein the further measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is designed to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer).

49. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation device (AV) comprises at least one fluxing device (FE) and / or pickling device (BE) and optionally a mechanical activation device (MA); in particular wherein the fluxing device (FE) is arranged downstream of the pickling device (BE) and the pickling device (BE) is arranged downstream of the mechanical activation device (MA).

50. Plant (system) (AF) for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a plant (system) (AF) for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, in particular a plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant comprises the following devices in the order listed below: - an activation device (AV) for activating the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence - a hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ) for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt; wherein the plant further comprises at least one measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein the activation device (AV) comprises at least one fluxing device (FE) and / or pickling device (BE) and optionally a mechanical activation device (MA).

51. Plant according to claim 50, wherein the measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ); and / or wherein the measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged downstream of the activation device (AV); and / or wherein the measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ) and downstream of the activation device (AV);and / or wherein the measuring device (MV) is designed to measure an electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer, preferably hot-dip galvanizing layer, to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer); 52. Plant according to claim 49 or claim 51, wherein a further measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is arranged upstream of the activation device (AV); in particular wherein the further measuring device (MV) for measuring an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer, preferably the hot-dip galvanizing layer, is designed to measure the cover layer resistance, in particular the polarization resistance of the cover layer (zinc layer or hot-dip galvanizing layer).

53. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cooling device (AK) is arranged downstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ).

54. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a post-processing device (NV) is arranged downstream of the hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ); in particular wherein the post-processing device (NV) is arranged downstream of the cooling device (AK).

55. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular upstream of the measuring device (MV) and / or the further measuring device (MV), a spectroscopy device (SV) is also arranged; in particular wherein the spectroscopy device (SV) is designed to carry out a measurement by means of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS); and / or in particular wherein the spectroscopy device (SV) comprises at least one laser and at least one detector, in particular a spectrometer.

56. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a drying device (TE), in particular an oven, is arranged downstream of the activation device (AV).

57. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a testing device (ÜV) is arranged upstream of the activation device (AV); in particular wherein the testing device (ÜV) is designed for optical and / or mechanical and / or inductive and / or electrical and / or chemical testing of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer; and / or in particular wherein the testing device (ÜV) comprises at least one device for optical and / or mechanical and / or inductive and / or electrical and / or chemical testing of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer.

58. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises the following devices and means in the following order: (ÜV) if necessary, at least one inspection device (ÜV); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (SV) optionally a spectroscopy device (SV); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (MV) if necessary, a further measuring device (MV); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (AV) at least one activation device (AV), in particular wherein the activation device (AV) comprises at least one flux device (FE) and / or pickling device (BE) and optionally a mechanical activation device (MA), in particular wherein the flux device (FE) is arranged downstream of the pickling device (BE) and the pickling device (BE) is arranged downstream of the mechanical activation device (MA); arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (TE) optionally at least one drying device (TE), in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (SV) optionally a spectroscopy device (SV); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (MV) at least one measuring device (MV); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (FZ) at least one hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (AK) optionally at least one cooling device (AK); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (NV) if necessary, at least one post-processing device (AV).

59. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, each characterized by one or more of the features of claims 1 to 45.

60. Hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component (1) obtainable by a process according to one of the preceding claims and / or obtainable in a plant according to one of the preceding claims.

61. Hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component (1), in particular hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to claim 60, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) is obtainable in that a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, has been subjected to an activation treatment, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has subsequently been subjected to hot-dip galvanizing.

62. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to claim 61 or claim 62, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer (3); in particular wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a multi-phase and / or multi-layer, in particular multi-phase, (Total) hot-dip galvanizing layer (3); and / or in particular, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has an at least partially multi-phase and / or at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer (3) with Zn / Al / Fe phases; and / or in particular, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer (3) with an aluminum concentration gradient; and / or in particular, wherein the multi-phase and / or multi-layer, in particular multi-phase, (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer (3) has an aluminum concentration gradient.

63. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a total layer thickness of at least 30 μm, in particular at least 35 μm, preferably at least 40 μm, particularly preferably at least 45 μm; and / or wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a total layer thickness of at most 500 μm, in particular at most 450 μm, preferably at most 400 μm, particularly preferably at most 300 μm; and / or wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a total layer thickness in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

64. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) is designed to be bendable to 90° at least substantially without impairing the corrosion protection performance; and / or wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1), in particular with a base material thickness of the iron or steel component of at least 2 mm and a total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 30 m, after 90° bending at a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 1,250 h, preferably at least 1,500 h, particularly preferably at least 1,750 h, very particularly preferably at least 2,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation.

65. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1), in particular with a total hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 350 g / m 2 , with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 2,000 h, preferably at least 5,000 h, particularly preferably at least 8,000 h, very particularly preferably at least 10,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation.

66. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, each characterized by one or more of the features of claims 1 to 59.

67. Use of a hot-dip galvanizing process for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of a galvanized iron or steel component, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, is subjected to an activation treatment prior to hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, in such a way and / or with the proviso that the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment has an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN ENIS0 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, and wherein the galvanized iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment is subsequently subjected to hot-dip galvanizing.

68. Use of the electrical resistance on the surface of a zinc layer of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for setting an activation treatment, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, for preparing the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for hot-dip galvanizing, in particular wherein the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the activation treatment depends on the electrical resistance on the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the zinc layer,preferably hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component.

69. Use according to claim 68, wherein at an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment; and / or wherein, with an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of more than 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as activation treatment at least initially a pickling treatment and subsequently a flux treatment is carried out, in particular wherein after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment a rinsing process is carried out, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

70. Use of the electrical resistance on the surface of a zinc layer of a galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of an iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for determining the condition and / or quality of the zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, for the regeneration and / or reprocessing and / or reuse of the iron or steel component having the zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer, by means of subsequent hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing).

71. Use according to claim 70, wherein the galvanized iron or steel component is subjected to an activation treatment in preparation for hot-dip galvanizing, in particular an activation treatment comprising a chemical and / or mechanical treatment, preferably an activation treatment comprising at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment, wherein the electrical resistance at the surface of a zinc layer is used and / or consulted to adjust the activation treatment; in particular wherein the type and / or duration and / or intensity of the activation treatment depends on the electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of the galvanized iron or steel component, in particular of the iron or steel component having a zinc layer, preferably a hot-dip galvanizing layer.

72. Use according to claim 70 or claim 71, wherein at an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of at most 500 kΩ • cm 2 , in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, at least one flux treatment is carried out as activation treatment; and / or where an electrical resistance at the surface of the zinc layer of more than 500 kΩ • cm 2, in particular determined according to DIN EN ISO 17475 and / or DIN 50918, in particular by means of potentiostatic polarization measurement, as an activation treatment, at least initially a pickling treatment followed by a flux treatment, in particular wherein a rinsing process takes place after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

73. Use according to one of the preceding claims, each characterized by one or more of the features of claims 1 to 66.

Images