Chemistry of corrosion products on Zn-Al-Mg alloy coated steel

Zn-Al-Mg alloy (ZM) coating provides a decisively enhanced corrosion resistance in a salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 (NSS) compared to conventional hot-dip galvanised zinc (Z) coating because of its ability to form a very stable, well adherent protecting layer of zinc aluminium carbonate hydroxide, Zn₆Al₂(CO₃)(OH)₁₆·4H₂O on the steel substrate. This protecting layer is the main reason for the enhanced corrosion resistance of the ZM coating. Surface corrosion products on ZM coated steel consist mainly of Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂, ZnCO₃ and Zn(OH)₂ with additions of Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂ · H₂O and a carbonate-containing magnesium species.     

Comparison of corrosion behaviour of zinc in NaCl and in NaOH solutions. Part I: Corrosion layer characterization

The corrosion layer formed on zinc sample in 0.6 M NaCl and 0.5 M NaOH solution under ambient conditions has been investigated. The corrosion layer morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the corrosion products of zinc. The thickness evolution of the corrosion layer was investigated by glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDEOS). The corrosion layer formed in 0.5 M NaOH solution appeared more compact than that formed in 0.6 M NaCl solution. Zinc hydroxide chloride (Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·2H₂O) and zinc hydroxide carbonate (Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆) were formed on zinc surface in 0.6 M NaCl solution while in 0.5 M NaOH solution, zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)₂) and zinc hydroxide carbonate (Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂·H₂O) were detected. Probable mechanisms of zinc corrosion products formation are presented.     

Corrosion resistance of zinc-magnesium coated steel

A significant body of work exists in the literature concerning the corrosion behaviour of zinc-magnesium coated steel (ZMG), describing its enhanced corrosion resistance when compared to conventional zinc-coated steel. This paper begins with a review of the literature and identifies key themes in the reported mechanisms for the attractive properties of this material. This is followed by an experimental programme where ZMG was subjected to an automotive laboratory corrosion test using acidified NaCl solution. A 3-fold increase in time to red rust compared to conventional zinc coatings was measured. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the corrosion products formed. The corrosion products detected on ZMG included simonkolleite (Zn₅Cl₂(OH)₈ · H₂O), possibly modified by magnesium uptake, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) and a hydroxy carbonate species. It is proposed that the oxygen reduction activity at the (zinc) cathodes is reduced by precipitation of alkali-resistant Mg(OH)₂, which is gradually converted to more soluble hydroxy carbonates by uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This lowers the surface pH sufficiently to allow thermodynamically for general precipitation of insoluble simonkolleite over the corroding surface thereby retarding the overall corrosion reactions, leaving only small traces of magnesium corrosion products behind. Such a mechanism is consistent with the experimental findings reported in the literature.     

Influence of anions on the formation and structure of artificial zinc rusts

To simulate the atmospheric corrosion of steels galvanized with Zn under different conditions, artificial zinc rusts of basic zinc salt (BZS) were prepared by hydrolyzing ZnO particles in aqueous solutions including ZnCl₂, ZnSO₄ and Zn(NO₃)₂. In ZnCl₂–ZnSO₄, ZnSO₄–Zn(NO₃)₂ and ZnCl₂–Zn(NO₃)₂–ZnSO₄ systems, zinc hydroxysulfate (Zn₄(OH)₆(SO₄)·nH₂O) was formed while zinc hydroxychloride (Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O) was generated in ZnCl₂–Zn(NO₃)₂ system. Zinc hydroxynitrate (Zn₅(OH)₈(NO₃)₂·2H₂O) was yielded in only Zn(NO₃)₂ system. All the formed artificial zinc rusts were hexagonal plate particles. These results suggest that SO_x is the most effective corrosive gas on the formation of BZS rusts on galvanized steel.     

Initial NaCl-particle induced atmospheric corrosion of zinc—Effect of CO2 and SO2

Initial corrosion and secondary spreading effects during NaCl particle induced corrosion on zinc was explored using in situ and ex situ FTIR microspectroscopy, optical microscopy, and SEM/EDAX. The secondary spreading effect which occurs upon introduction of humid air on NaCl deposited zinc surfaces was strongly dependent on the CO₂ and SO₂ content of the introduced air. Ambient level of CO₂ (350 ppm) resulted in a relatively low spreading effect, whereas the lower level of CO₂ (<5 ppm) caused a much faster spreading over a larger area. In the presence of SO₂, the secondary spreading effect was absent which could limit the cathodic process in this case. At <5 ppm CO₂, the corrosion is more localized, with the formation of simonkolleite (Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂ · H₂O), zincite (ZnO) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), and a larger effective cathodic area. At 350 ppm CO₂, the corrosion is more general and formation of simonkolleite, hydrozincite (Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂) and sodium carbonate was observed. Sodium carbonate was mainly formed in more alkaline areas, in the inner edge of the electrolyte droplet and in the secondary spreading area. Oxidation of sulphur and concomitant sulphate formation was enhanced in the presence of NaCl particles, due to the formation of a droplet, the separation of the anodic and cathodic areas and the accompanying differences in chemical composition and pH in the surface electrolyte.     

Atmospheric corrosion of Galfan coatings on steel in chloride-rich environments

Galfan coatings on steel in laboratory exposures with predeposited NaCl and cyclic wet/dry conditions exhibit nearly the same corrosion products as after 5 years of marine exposure. A general scenario for corrosion product evolution on Galfan in chloride-rich atmospheres is proposed. It includes the initial formation of ZnO, ZnAl₂O₄ and Al₂O₃ and subsequent formation of Zn₆Al₂(OH)₁₆CO₃⋅4H₂O, and Zn₂Al(OH)₆Cl⋅2H₂O and/or Zn₅Cl₂(OH)₈⋅H₂O. An important phase is Zn₆Al₂(OH)₁₆CO₃⋅4H₂O, which largely governs the reduced long-term zinc runoff from Galfan. A clear influence of microstructure could be observed on corrosion initiation in the slightly zinc-richer η-Zn phase adjacent to the β-Al phase.     

The effect of synthetic zinc corrosion products on corrosion of electrogalvanized steel. II. Zinc reactivity and galvanic coupling zinc/steel in presence of zinc corrosion products

The reactivity of zinc under synthetic zinc patinas and the galvanic coupling in steel/patina/Zn are studied. Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ and Na₂Zn₃(CO₃)₄⋅3H₂O inhibit zinc anodic dissolution in NaCl, while Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂ H₂O and Zn₄(OH)₆SO₄ nH₂O do not. The galvanic current in steel/patina/NaCl/Zn is smaller as compared to steel/NaCl/Zn. The inhibiting effect decreases with time for Na₂Zn₃(CO₃)₄⋅3H₂O or Zn₄(OH)₆SO₄ nH₂O due to the transformation into Zn(OH)₂. In NaHCO₃, the polarity between zinc and steel can reverse. The effect of confinement on the cathodic current is stronger than the initial effect of patina which is explained by the instability of the patinas under rapid pH-increase.     

Role of zinc compounds on the formation, morphology, and adsorption characteristics of β-FeOOH rusts

To simulate the corrosion of galvanized steel in marine zone, β-FeOOH was prepared by aging the FeCl₃ solutions containing ZnCl₂ and zinc rusts such as ZnO and zinc hydroxychloride (Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O:ZHC). Adding ZnCl₂, ZnO, and ZHC inhibited the crystallization and particle growth of β-FeOOH and the inhibitory effect was in order of ZHC ≈ ZnO > ZnCl₂. The adsorption of H₂O and CO₂ was suppressed by adding ZnCl₂, ZnO, and ZHC. These results imply that the rust formed on galvanized steel in marine environment is more compact, amorphous, and hydrophobic in nature which may lead to improve the corrosion resistance.     

Structure and properties of Ti(IV)-doped zinc hydroxychloride rusts formed at various temperatures

To simulate the atmospheric corrosion of steels galvanized with Ti–Zn alloys under different atmospheric temperatures, Ti(IV)-doped zinc hydroxychloride (Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O: ZHC) was prepared at various aging temperatures of 6–120 °C. Adding the Ti(IV) inhibited the crystallization and particle growth of ZHC, showing a minimum at 50 °C. Higher aging temperature promoted the formation of TiO₂ nano-particles. Elevating the aging temperature suppressed the adsorption of H₂O and CO₂ on Ti(IV)-doped ZHC. These results suggest that the alloying Ti in galvanized steel forms compact zinc rust layer at various atmospheric temperatures in marine environment, which would lead to the enhancement of corrosion resistance.     

Self-healing mechanism of a protective film prepared on a Ce(NO3)3-pretreated zinc electrode by modification with Zn(NO3)2 and Na3PO4

Self-healing mechanism of a protective film against corrosion of zinc at scratches in an aerated 0.5 M NaCl solution was investigated by polarization measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA). The film was prepared on a zinc electrode by treatment in a Ce(NO₃)₃ solution and addition of aqueous solutions containing 9.98 or 19.9 μg/cm² of Zn(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and 55.2 μg/cm² of Na₃PO₄ · 12H₂O. After the coated electrode was scratched with a knife-edge crosswise and immersed in the NaCl solution for many hours, polarization measurements, observation of pit formation at the scratches, XPS and EPMA were carried out. This film was remarkably protective and self-healing against zinc corrosion on the scratched electrode. The cathodic and anodic processes of zinc corrosion were markedly suppressed by coverage of the surface except for scratches with a thin Ce₂O₃ layer containing a small amount of Ce⁴⁺ and the surface of scratches with a layer composed of Zn₃(PO₄)₂ · 4H₂O, Zn(OH)₂ and ZnO mostly.     

The influence of relative humidity and temperature on the acetic acid vapour-induced atmospheric corrosion of lead

The acetic-acid induced atmospheric corrosion of lead was studied at 22.0 °C and 30-95% RH and at 4 °C and 95% RH. The samples were exposed to synthetic air with careful control of relative humidity, temperature, acetic acid concentration (170 ppb) and flow conditions. Reference exposures were carried out in clean humid air. Samples were analysed by gravimetry, ion chromatography, quantitative carbonate analysis, ESEM and XRD. Traces of acetic acid vapour strongly accelerate the atmospheric corrosion of lead. The corrosion rate is only weakly dependent on relative humidity in the range 95-50% RH. The accumulated amount of acetate is independent of RH in the range 95-40%. Lead corrosion in humid air in the presence of acetic acid vapour exhibits a negative correlation with temperature. The crystalline corrosion products formed on lead in the presence of acetic acid vapour were lead acetate oxide hydrate (Pb(CH₃COO)₂ · 2PbO · H₂O) and massicot (β-PbO) together with plumbonacrite (Pb₁₀O(CO₃)₆(OH)₆) or hydrocerussite (Pb₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂). The transformation of lead acetate oxide hydrate into hydrocerussite and vice versa was also studied. The mechanism of corrosion is addressed, and the implications of this study for combating the corrosion of lead organ pipes in historical organs are discussed.     

Effects of NaCl and NH4Cl on the initial atmospheric corrosion of zinc

Effects of NaCl and NH₄Cl on the initial atmospheric corrosion of zinc were investigated via quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in laboratory at 80% RH and 25 °C. The results show that both NaCl and NH₄Cl can accelerate the initial atmospheric corrosion of zinc. The combined effect of NaCl and NH₄Cl on the corrosion of zinc is greater than that caused by NH₄Cl and less than that caused by NaCl. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersion X-ray analysis (SEM/EDAX) were used to characterize the corrosion products of zinc. (NH₄)₂ZnCl₄, Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂ · H₂O and ZnO present on zinc surface in the presence of NH₄Cl while Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂ · H₂O and ZnO are the dominant corrosion products on NaCl-treated zinc surface. Probable mechanisms are presented to explain the experimental results.     

Effects of NaCl and SO2 on the initial atmospheric corrosion of zinc

The influence of NaCl deposition on the corrosion of zinc in atmospheres with and without SO₂ was studied via quartz crystal microbalance. Regularity of the initial corrosion of zinc under these conditions was analyzed. The results show that NaCl can accelerate the corrosion of zinc. Mass gain of zinc increases with the exposure time, which can be correlated by using exponential decay function. The relationship between mass gain and amount of NaCl deposition is well linear at any time in air containing 1 ppm SO₂, but follows quadratic function in air without SO₂. More amount of NaCl deposition will slow down the corrosion to some extent after exposure for certain time in the presence of SO₂. The combined effect of NaCl and SO₂ on the corrosion of zinc is greater than that caused by each single component. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the corrosion products of zinc. In the absence of SO₂, simonkolleite, Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O and zincite, ZnO are the dominant corrosion products, while zinc hydroxysulfate (Zn₄SO₄(OH)₆·3H₂O), zinc chloride sulfate hydroxide hydrate (Zn₁₂(SO₄)₃Cl₃·(OH)₁₅·5H₂O) and simonkolleite dominate in the presence of SO₂. Brief discussion on the mechanisms of atmospheric corrosion under these conditions was introduced.     

In situ studies of the corrosion during drying of confined zinc surfaces

The corrosion process during the drying out of zinc surfaces confined in crevices was studied using real time photograpy and in situ FTIR microspectroscopy. A pH‐indicator was used to visualise differences in the pH during the drying process. The distribution and the composition of the corrosion products after several wetting and drying cycles were studied with FTIR microspectroscopy and SEM‐EDS. An area with high pH formed during the drying process at the border of the electrolyte, with a zone of white corrosion products that contained zinc hydroxycarbonate in the electrolyte inside this area. A differential aeration cell is present at the border of the electrolyte, and the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction takes place close to the border of the electrolyte during the drying process. The corrosion attack and the distribution and composition of the corrosion products on the surface depend strongly on the drying process of the surface. The corrosion attack of confined surfaces was localised, with a significantly higher corrosion attack in some areas. Outside the drying front a thin layer of electrolyte formed as a result of surface tension driven flow of electrolyte from the electrolyte border. This effect was attributed to the alkaline pH of the electrolyte due to the oxygen reduction reaction at the border. A galvanic element was formed between the local cathodes in the area outside the drying front and the anode in the area with bulk electrolyte. The main corrosion products detected after several wet dry cycles were ZnO, Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ and Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂ · H₂O, but Na₂CO₃ · 10H₂O was also detected. The corrosion products were non‐homogeneously distributed on the surface and the distribution was related to the anodic and cathodic processes that took place in different regions on the surface during the corrosion process.     

Characterization of black rust staining of unpassivated 55% Al–Zn alloy coatings. Effect of temperature, pH and wet storage

Wet storage staining is a phenomenon that occurs on both zinc coated and 55% Al–Zn coated steel sheets during shipment or storage in damp conditions. Whereas zinc coated sheets form white corrosion products, 55% Al–Zn coated steel sheets form black corrosion products. The effect of temperature, pH and wet storage on the occurrence of black rust staining of unpassivated Aluzink samples has been investigated in the laboratory in terms of corrosion product formation and composition. A characterization of corrosion products formed has been performed mainly based on scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalyses (SEM/EDS) for morphological and quantitative analyses and X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD) for crystalline phase identification. Black rust formation is strongly related to alkaline pH regions and is enhanced by the temperature. All black panels show the presence of Bayerite (Al(OH)₃), mainly formed on the aluminum rich dendrite branches and a basic zinc aluminum carbonate (Zn₆Al₂(OH)₁₆CO₃·4H₂O) formed in the zinc rich interdendritic alloy regions in contact with air. Blackening of Aluzink surfaces is connected to differences in optical properties of embedded metallic zinc and/or aluminum particles of different shape and size in the corrosion layer.     

Characterization of the corrosion products of electrodeposited Zn, Zn–Co and Zn–Mn alloys coatings

The morphology, composition, phase composition and corrosion products of coatings of pure Zn (obtained from two types of electrolytic bath: an acidic bath (Zn_acid) and a cyanide-free alkaline bath (Zn_alkaline)) and of Zn–Mn and Zn–Co alloys on steel substrates were studied. To achieve this, diverse techniques were used, including polarization curves, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), glow discharge spectroscopy (GDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the salt spray test. In the salt spray test, the exposure time required for the coatings to exhibit red corrosion (associated with the oxidation of steel) decreased in the following order: Zn–Mn_(432h) > Zn–Co_(429h) > Zn_{alkaline(298h)} > Zn_acid(216h). The shorter exposure times required for corrosion of the pure Zn coatings are related to the coating composition and the crystallographic structure. Analysis of the corrosion products disclosed that Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O was a corrosion product of all of the coatings tested. However, the formation of oxides of manganese (MnO, Mn_0.98O₂, Mn₅O₈) in the Zn–Mn coating, and the formation of the hydroxide Zn₂Co₃(OH)₁₀·2H₂O in the Zn–Co coating, produced more compact and stable passive layers, with lower dissolution rates.     

Morphology and phase composition of corrosion products formed at the zinc-iron interface of a galvanized steel

The corrosion products formed on the inner wall of pipes made of galvanized low carbon steel, exposed for ∼2 years to water flowing in a large household heating system, were analysed using X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopic techniques, as well as metallographic techniques. Products grew in the form of large-sized tubercles that gradually developed causing base metal losses up to perforation of the steel pipe. Considerable differences in the phase composition were found between the products formed in contact with the steel and those constituting the outer part of tubercles. The former were mainly made of FeCO₃ (siderite), with small amounts of Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆ (hydrozincite), ZnCO₃ (smithsonite), (Fe,Zn)CO₃ mixed carbonate and CaCO₃ (calcite), the latter mainly by Fe(III) oxyhydroxide goethite. Both parts of the tubercles also contained small amounts of other ferric oxyhydroxides, γ-FeOOH (lepidocrocite) and β-FeOOH (akaganeite), and very small amounts of hematite. The procedures used proved effective for an adequate identification of both the iron-containing and iron-free compounds in the corrosion products as well as for suggesting a corrosion mechanism.     

The influence of CO2, AlCl3 · 6H2O, MgCl2 · 6H2O, Na2SO4 and NaCl on the atmospheric corrosion of aluminum

The influence of salt deposits on the atmospheric corrosion of high purity Al (99.999%) was studied in the laboratory. Four chloride and sulfate-containing salts, NaCl, Na₂SO₄, AlCl₃ · 6H₂O and MgCl₂ · 6H₂O were investigated. The samples were exposed to purified humid air with careful control of the relative humidity (95%), temperature (22.0 °C), and air flow. The concentration of CO₂ was 350 ppm or <1 ppm and the exposure time was four weeks. Under the experimental conditions all four salts formed aqueous solutions on the metal surface. Mass gain and metal loss results are reported. The corroded surfaces were studied by ESEM, OM, AES and FEG/SEM equipped with EDX. The corrosion products were analyzed by gravimetry, IC and grazing incidence XRD. In the absence of CO₂, the corrosivity of the chloride salts studied increases in the order MgCl₂ · 6H₂O < AlCl₃ · 6H₂O < NaCl. Sodium chloride is very corrosive in this environment because the sodium ion supports the development of high pH in the cathodic areas, resulting in alkaline dissolution of the alumina passive film and rapid general corrosion. The low corrosivity of MgCl₂ · 6H₂O is explained by the inability of Mg²⁺ to support high pH values in the cathodic areas. In the presence of carbon dioxide, the corrosion induced by the salts studied exhibit similar rates. Carbon dioxide strongly inhibits aluminum corrosion in the presence of AlCl₃ · 6H₂O and especially, NaCl, while it is slightly corrosive in the presence of MgCl₂ · 6H₂O. The corrosion effects of CO₂ are explained in terms of its acidic properties and by the precipitation of carbonates. In the absence of CO₂, Na₂SO₄ is less corrosive than NaCl. This is explained by the lower solubility of aluminum hydroxy sulfates in comparison to the chlorides. The average corrosion rate in the presence of CO₂ is the same for both salts. The main difference is that sulfate is less efficient than chloride in causing pitting of aluminum in neutral or acidic media.     

Corrosion of copper and silver plates by volcanic gases

Corrosion products that had been formed on copper and silver plates exposed in Miyake Island, where suffered a volcanic eruption in 2000, were analyzed by X-ray techniques to get better understanding of copper and silver corrosion in harsh environment. The exposure experiment was carried out from September 2004 to April 2005. Many kinds of patina were found on copper such as cuprite (Cu₂O), posnjakite (Cu₄SO₄(OH)₆ · H₂O), brochantite (Cu₄SO₄(OH)₆), antlerite (Cu₃SO₄(OH)₄), and geerite (Cu₈S₅). For silver, silver chloride (AgCl) and silver sulfide (Ag₂S) were formed. Although the volcanic activity had greatly subsided, the atmospheric corrosion of copper and silver plates exposed on Miyake Island was mainly affected by volcanic gases, wet-dry cycles in the environment, and sea-salt aerosols.     

Atmospheric corrosion of field-exposed AZ31 magnesium in a tropical marine environment

Corrosion behavior of AZ31 magnesium in tropical marine atmosphere was investigated. Chloride ions deposition rate played an important role in the corrosion process, which resulted in an obvious fluctuation of the corrosion rate. The corrosion was initiated from pitting corrosion and then evolved into general corrosion as the exposure time extended. Mg₅(CO₃)₄(OH)₂·xH₂O was the dominate products during the whole exposure periods. The products on the specimens weathered for 1, 6 and 12 months slightly suppressed the corrosion process, while that generated after 24 months of exposure exhibited good protective ability against further corrosion attacks.