The Electrodeposition of Iron-Zinc Alloys

Methods are given for depositing iron-zinc alloys of 3 to 90% zinc content from sulphate baths and attention is drawn to the useful properties of these deposits. Under a given set of plating conditions the iron-zinc ratio in the deposit is directly proportional to that in the bath. Lowering either the current density or the pH raises the zinc content of the deposit. Some baths have a levelling action, since bright deposits can be prepared from them on an etched surface. Examples of such baths are: (i) FeSO₄-7H₂O 248, ZnSO₄-7H₂O 8·8, (NHJ₄)₂SO₄ 118, KCl 10, citric acid 0·5 g./l., operated at pH 1·7, 50°G, 200 amps./ft.² and giving a 6% zinc alloy of 560 D.P.N, hardness;

(ii) FeSO₄-7H₂O 174, ZnSO₄-7H₂O 88, (NH₄)₂ SO₄ 118, KCl 10, citric acid 0·5 g., Teepol 0·4 ml./l., operated at pH 1·7, 50°C, 180 amps./ft.² and giving a 60% zinc alloy of 350 D.P.N, hardness.

The throwing power of the baths is comparable with that of a bright nickel bath. Pitting can be overcome by using a wetting agent (Teepol or Lubrol W) and operating at high temperature (80° C.) and low pH (<1·8). Under these conditions the deposits are usually matt and light grey in colour.

Alloys with zinc contents >ca. 30% have electrode potentials in N/10 KCl nearly equal to that of pure zinc. In the C.R.L. beaker test, the alloys with zinc contents between 30 and 90% are, in general, more corrosion resistant than pure zinc. Various applications of these alloys are proposed, including their use as an undercoat for paints and chromium plating and for decorative finishes indoors.

Deposition of iron-zinc alloys from chloride baths is dealt with briefly. A matt, corrosion-resistant alloy of 60% zinc content can be obtained, at pH 1·8, 50° C., and 50 amps./ft.², from a vigorously stirred bath of the following composition:—FeCl₂·4H₂O 177, ZnCl₂ 42, NH₄Cl 100, KCl 15, citric acid 0·5 g./l.

A colorimetrie method for the analysis of zinc in the presence of iron is described.