Russia’s Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (PJSC MMK) has begun producing corrosion-resistant steel with a zinc-aluminum-magnesium (ZAM) alloy coating, offering enhanced durability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability for a wide range of applications.
According to MMK, the new ZAM coating outperforms traditional zinc coatings in corrosion resistance, especially in aggressive environments like coastal, industrial, and high-humidity areas. Class 80 ZAM coatings, for example, demonstrated superior performance to the conventional Class 275 zinc coatings in salt fog chamber tests, while requiring less coating material and extending product lifespan.
The coating combines the cathodic protection of zinc with the barrier effects of aluminum and magnesium oxides, providing exceptional corrosion resistance and self-healing properties that prevent rust formation even on edges or minor surface damage.
Its strong adhesion makes it compatible with polymer topcoats, further increasing product longevity. Sample tests also showed excellent plasticity, strength, and formability, making the material well-suited for automotive parts, drawn products, and other high-performance applications.
In addition to reducing material weight, the ZAM coating aligns with eco-friendly practices by enhancing recyclability. MMK expects the material to be widely adopted in construction, lightweight building systems, agriculture, and automotive manufacturing, offering clients a durable and cost-effective solution over the full product life cycle.
