Abstract: The ductility and/or tensile strength of certain zinc-based alloys (25 to 40 wt. % aluminum, 0.5 to 5 wt. % copper, and up to 0.1 wt. % magnesium) are improved when various elements are added. A first series of improved alloys is comprised of boron (between 5 ppm and 0.1 wt. %), possibly along with titanium (25 ppm to 0.5 wt. %), or possibly along with zirconium and/or strontium (up to 0.1 wt. %), and titanium (up to 0.1 wt. %). A second series of improved alloys is comprised of rare earths, principally lanthanum and/or cerium, in a total amount between 5 ppm and 0.1 wt. %.

Abstract: There is disclosed an alloy for use in a zinc galvanizing bath comprising zinc, aluminum and a rare earth-containing alloy such as mischmetal. According to the preferred embodiments, the alloy contains from about 85% to about 97% zinc, from about 3% to about 15% aluminum and from about 5 ppm to about 1.0% mischmetal. The alloy may also contain one or more of the elements Fe, Pb, Sb, Mg, Sn, Cu and Si.