Monitoring of a Zr-based conversion coating on galvanised steel and its performance against corrosion

Abstract

New protective coatings with satisfactory performance and low impact are required by the surface treatment industry as effective Cr(VI)-free substitutes. Recently conversion coating systems containing Zr/Ti have shown great promise particularly for zinc finishes on steel and in this paper, we study the influence of bath conditions (e.g. pH and time) on conversion layers composed of a Zr-based film. The coating formation was studied by simultaneous monitoring of open circuit potential and surface pH using a novel cell design. Samples were subsequently characterised by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in NaCl over a 24-hour period. The system demonstrates a correlation between pH of formation and corrosion resistance.