Zeta potential of microarc oxidation film on zirlo alloy in different aqueous solutions

Zeta potentials of the bare Zirlo alloy and its microarc oxidation (MAO) film in KCl, NaCl, H3BO3 and LiOH solutions were measured. Their corrosion behavior in different solutions were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The correlation between zeta potential and corrosion behavior was also analyzed. The MAO treatment shifted the iso-electric point (IEP) to a higher pH value in 1500 ppm B3+ and 2.3 ppm Li+ mixed aqueous solution for simulating normal water chemistry in nuclear reactors. Besides, MAO film with higher zeta potential could reduce the adsorption of lithium ions, which improved the corrosion resistance of Zirlo alloy.