Synthesis and characterization of chromate conversion coatings on GALVALUME and galvanized steel substrates

M. A. Domílnguez-Crespo, E. Onofre-Bustamante, A. M. Torres-Huerta, F. J. Rodríguez-Gómez, S. E. Rodil, A. Flores-Vela

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The morphology, composition, and corrosion performance of chromate conversion coatings (CCCs) formed on GALVALUME (Fe-Al-Zn) and galvanized steel (Fe-Zn) samples have been studied, and different immersion times (0, 10, 30, and 60 seconds) have been compared. The coated surfaces were analyzed using light microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical measurements in a NaCl solution (3 wt pct). The electrochemical measurements were carried out using the polarization resistance, Tafel, and ac impedance methods. A nonuniform growth of the CCCs having a porous morphology and cracks that appear extended to the base metal was observed. The XRD patterns show that the coatings mainly consist of CrO3, Cr2 O3, and traces of Cr2O7-2. The electrochemical results show that GALVALUME presents a better behavior than that of the galvanized steel alloys at each dipping time. The SEM micrographs show that the galvanized steel treatments resulted in the formation of a more uniform film, but their protection barrier broke down faster than that of the GALVALUME samples in contact with the aggressive media. The samples that underwent the lowest degree of dissolution were those with a dipping time of 30 seconds. The difference in the corrosion protection given by the two substrate types could be attributed to the structural properties, grain size, composition, and roughness, which affect oxygen diffusion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1631-1644
Number of pages14
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
Volume40
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

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