9. Ductile metals

9.1 Zinc

Pure zinc is not used in sheet form, mainly because of its low creep limit (its recrystallization temperature is only 4°C).

Its industrial production began in Liège in the early 19th century and, thanks to its resistance to corrosion and relative ease of shaping, determined its use in roofing. This application spread to Paris (under the impetus of Baron Haussmann) and Germany. This historical digression explains why the major application of zinc alloys in sheet metal (nearly 70%) is limited to Belgium, France and Germany. Copper, titanium and sometimes magnesium additions are now used to refine the grain and prevent creep (standard NF EN 988). Aluminum alloys are tending to capture a share of this market.

Combined with lead...