"Learn" Your Way Around the Kitchen
Kettle
Galvanized metal kettles such as the one on display in the Carney Farmhouse kitchen were used to heat water for coffee, tea, etc. These large functional containers were also used for heating water for household chores (e.g., washing dishes) in the days before indoor plumbing, electric and gas heat.
What is Galvanization?
Inventor, Stanislas Sorel, patented galvanization in 1837. Galvanization is the metallurgical process of covering iron or steel with a zinc-coating. For kettles, buckets, and other household items, the process promised sturdy construction without fear of rust. Galvanizing is a one-time process that ensures maintenance-free use and the long service life of products.
The zinc coating protects the surface against corrosion in two ways:
- The zinc coating shields the base metal from the atmosphere.
- Because zinc is more electronegative than iron or steel, it gives cathodic (sacrificial) protection.
Even if the surface becomes scratched and the base metal is exposed, the zinc is slowly consumed while the iron or steel remains protected from corrosion.
The value of galvanizing stems from zinc's corrosion resistance and long life. The galvanizing process produces a durable, abrasion-resistant coating of metallic zinc and zinc-iron alloy layers on the substrate and completely covers the work piece. No other steel coating matches galvanization's unique combination of properties and advantages.(1)
[1). What is a Galvanized Metal? - Definition from Corrosionpedia