Effect of additives on nanocrystalline bright Zn–Ni–Fe alloy electrodeposit properties

Abstract

The nanocrystalline, bright, ternary Zn–Ni–Fe alloy electrodeposit has been developed using additives such as tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide and thiosemicarbazide on mild steel. The microstructure, corrosion resistance, hardness and tribological behaviour of bright Zn–Ni–Fe alloy deposit were analysed. The study revealed that additives modify the morphology, orientation and composition of the Zn–Ni–Fe alloy deposit. The morphological, orientation and chemical composition changes play a significant role by improving corrosion resistance and reducing wear and friction of deposit. Simultaneously, the effect of iron and TSC in plating bath on the corrosion resistance and microhardness of electrodeposited Zn–Ni–Fe coating has been investigated.