What is steel that has been treated with zinc to resist rust called?

The term for steel that has been treated with zinc to resist rust is galvanized steel. This process, known as galvanization, involves coating the steel with a layer of zinc, which serves as a protective barrier against moisture and oxygen, the two key factors contributing to rust formation. By applying this coating, the inherent properties of the steel are enhanced, making it much more durable and suitable for outdoor applications or environments where corrosion is a concern.

Stainless steel is specifically formulated to resist corrosion on its own due to the presence of chromium, which creates a thin oxide layer. Carbon steel, on the other hand, contains varying amounts of carbon and is more prone to rust without protective coatings. Alloy steel includes various elements to enhance specific properties but does not inherently include a protective zinc layer like galvanized steel does. Thus, galvanized steel is the correct designation for steel treated with zinc to prevent rust.