Cr(VI) and Cr(III)-Based Conversion Coatings on Zinc

Abstract

With the aims of understanding the protective mechanism of chromate conversion coatings and developing alternatives to chromate treatments, the physical natures and corrosion properties of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) treated zinc have been investigated in this work. The Cr(VI) treatments were carried out in dichromate and sulfuric acid solution with different dipping times. The Cr(III) treatments were carried out in two commercial solutions (A and B). The thickness of the coatings was measured using ellipsometry. The morphologies and the compositions of the treated zinc have been studied by means of SEM, AFM, AES, FTIR and XPS. The drying temperature influence on the corrosion performance of the Cr(VI)âtreated zinc has been investigated. The Volta potential in treated and untreated areas has been measured using scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) and SKPFM. The corrosion behavior of the Cr(VI) and Cr(III) treated zinc has been investigated using polarization, electrochemical impedance measurements (EIS), and salt spray tests. Both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) species were detected by XPS in the outermost layer of the Cr(VI) coatings, while no Cr(VI) species was found in the Cr(III) coatings. AES depth profile results show that chromium oxides are the main components in the Cr(VI) coatings. Zinc oxide is mainly located at the chromium oxides / zinc interface. The Cr(III) coating is a mixture of chromium oxides and zinc oxide. Both the Cr(VI) and the Cr(III) treatments can supply corrosion protection to zinc. The corrosion resistance of the Cr(III)-B coating is greater than that of the Cr(III)-A coating. However, the inhibition of the corrosion of zinc by Cr(VI) coating is more effective than by the Cr(III) coatings. The inhibition of the corrosion of zinc by the Cr(VI) and the Cr(III) treatments is discussed, and future research topics are suggested.