Preparation and corrosion resistance of pulse electrodeposited Zn and Zn-SiC nanocomposite coatings

Pure Zn and Zn matrix composite coatings containing nano-sized SiC particles with an average size of 50 nm were prepared from the zinc sulfate bath. The effects of the pulse frequency, maximum current density and duty cycle on the amount of particles embedded were examined. Electron microscopic studies revealed that the coating morphology was modified by the presence of SiC nanoparticles. In the presence of SiC nanoparticles deposit grows in outgrowth mode resulting in a very rough and porous microstructure. However, at very low and very high duty cycles a smooth and pore free microstructure was obtained. Corrosion resistance properties of the coatings were studied using potentiodynamic polarization technique in 1 M NaCl solution. It was established that presence of well-dispersed nanoparticles significantly improves corrosion resistance of the zinc by filling gaps and defects between zinc flakes and leading to a smoother surface. However, presence of the SiC nanoparticles led to a mixed microstructure with fine and coarse zinc flakes in some coatings, which presented a weak corrosion behavior. Incorporation of SiC nanoparticles enhanced hardness of the Zn coatings by fining deposit structure and through the dispersion hardening effect.