Role of zinc compounds on the formation, morphology, and adsorption characteristics of β-FeOOH rusts

To simulate the corrosion of galvanized steel in marine zone, β-FeOOH was prepared by aging the FeCl3 solutions containing ZnCl2 and zinc rusts such as ZnO and zinc hydroxychloride (Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O:ZHC). Adding ZnCl2, ZnO, and ZHC inhibited the crystallization and particle growth of β-FeOOH and the inhibitory effect was in order of ZHC ≈ ZnO > ZnCl2. The adsorption of H2O and CO2 was suppressed by adding ZnCl2, ZnO, and ZHC. These results imply that the rust formed on galvanized steel in marine environment is more compact, amorphous, and hydrophobic in nature which may lead to improve the corrosion resistance.