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Steelmaking is a process of melting, purifying, and alloying iron at high temperatures, around 1,600° C (2,900° F), to achieve specific chemical compositions. The primary raw materials used are blast-furnace iron, steel scrap, and direct-reduced iron (DRI).1

Surface treatment of steel occurs during hot-rolling, influencing its resistance to corrosion and its ability to be painted. A significant portion of steel is then coated with metallic, inorganic, or organic materials to enhance its properties. Common coatings include zinc, zinc alloys, and aluminum, applied through methods like hot-dip galvanizing or electrolytic galvanizing. These coatings improve corrosion resistance, weldability, and paintability, depending on the specific application.2

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