Effect of plasma nitriding of electroplated chromium coatings on the corrosion protection C45 mild steel

Plasma nitriding is a promising posttreatment technique to create a nitride layer on electroplated chromium coatings for improving their corrosion resistance. In the present study, the effects of plasma nitriding on the corrosion properties of electroplated chromium/C45 mild steel were investigated using electrochemical characterization. The chromium plated samples were nitrided using a pulsed direct current glow discharge in an NH₃ atmosphere. The polarization curve measurement results showed that the plasma nitrided samples exhibited more positive corrosion potentials (E_corr), smaller corrosion currents (I_corr), and evident passivation when compared with unnitrided chromium plating/substrate system. The high value of E_corr and low value of I_corr imply an improvement of the corrosion resistance of the coating/substrate system after plasma nitriding.     

Electrochemical evaluations of zinc-rich epoxy primers modified with polyaniline and exfoliated polyaniline graphite nanocomposite

ABSTRACT

Polyaniline (Pani) and exfoliated polyaniline graphite (EPaniG) nanocomposites were used to modify the protective properties of an epoxy zinc-rich primer (ZRP). The corrosion resistance properties of primers were evaluated in 3.5% sodium chloride solution for a period of 120 days via electrochemical noise (EN) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EN data were analysed via Wavelet and Hilbert spectra analysis to evaluate the protection mechanism of different ZRP coatings during immersion. Coating resistance and charge transfer resistance of the primers were evaluated by EIS measurements. Results showed good compatibility between |Z|_0.01Hz from EIS measurements and mean noise resistance which results from EN data and these evaluations allowed the examination of coating performances during immersion. Free corrosion potential (E_corr) measurements and salt spray test revealed that both the cathodic protection and barrier properties of the ZRP primer were improved after addition of EPaniG nanocomposite to the ZRP sample.     

Biocorrosion of carbon steel alloys by an hydrogenotrophic sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio capillatus isolated from a Mexican oil field separator

The hydrogenotrophic sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB) Desulfovibrio capillatus (DSM14982^T) was isolated from an oil field separator with serious corrosion problems; this is the study of its role in the corrosion of carbon steels under anaerobic conditions. Immersion tests with two steel alloys, St-35.8 (typical carbon steel employed in European naval industry), and API-5XL52 (weathering alloy steel employed in Mexican oil industries) were performed. Total exposure was 45 days and different concentrations of thiosulfate as electron acceptor for bacterial growth were employed. The samples immersed in media with SRB undergo fast activation and numerous active sites form on the surface. Microscopic observations were made by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Weight loss and electrochemical testing included open circuit potential (E_corr), polarization resistance (R_p), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical noise (EN) were measured with and without bacteria in the culture medium in order to determine corrosion rates and mechanisms. All electrochemical techniques have shown that after the end of the exponential phase the corrosion activity notably increased due to the high concentration of bacterial metabolites. Finally, the corrosion behavior of API-5XL52 was worse than St-35.8.     

Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on anticorrosion property in amorphous Ni-P-Cr composite coating in artificial seawater and microbial environment

To obtain the composite with a function of corrosion resistance in seawater and microbial environment, we apply low toxic electrolyte which contained Cr³⁺ instead of Cr⁶⁺ as a chromium source to produce Ni-P-Cr/TiO₂, Ni-P-Cr/ZrO₂ nanocomposite coatings, and Ni-P-Cr/TiO₂ microcomposite coating using direct current (DC) electrodeposits technique. The surface morphology, texture, and composition of the composite coatings are characterized by SEM, XRD, and EDX measurements, respectively. The corrosion behavior of the composite coatings is evaluated by polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results with more positive-shifting E_corr, lowest i_corr, and relatively high value of polarization resistance (R_p) proved that compared with other composite coatings, Ni-P-Cr/TiO₂ nanocomposite coating with its better passive film and unique antibacterial activity caused by TiO₂ nanoparticles incorporated, displayed excellent antibacterial and corrosion resistance property, consistent to the phenomenon that corrosion of this nanocomposite coating in SRB culture medium is not observed.     

Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Plasma Sprayed Fe-Based Alloy Coating as an Alternative to Hard Chromium

Fe-based alloy coating (FAC) was prepared from Fe-based amorphous metallic powders on low-carbon steel by plasma spray. The microstructures and corrosion resistances (salt spray and electrochemical tests) of the FAC and the reference hard chromium coatings (HCC) were investigated. The results indicated that the as-sprayed FAC consisted of amorphous phase, nanocrystalline grains, and borides. Both the FAC and HCC adhered well to the low-carbon steel substrate, but there are micro-cracks and pores located in FAC, which disappeared after the sealing treatment. After 60 days (1440 h) of corrosion tests by salt spray, the weight loss of FAC was about 10% of the HCC, but that of the sealed FAC (SFAC) was only about 4% of HCC. The electrochemical tests indicated that the HCC had the lowest E _corr (−629 mV) and highest I _corr (63.2 mA/m²). Correspondingly, the SFAC possessed the highest E _corr (−321 mV) and lowest I _corr (6.97 mA/m²). These suggested that the resistance to corrosion sequence (R) among these coatings was R _SFAC > R _FAC > R _HCC. Therefore, this Fe-based alloy coating could be applied as a good alternative material to hard chromium in corrosion environments.     

Microstructure and corrosion resistance of molybdenum and aluminum coatings thermally sprayed on 7075-T6 aluminum alloy

Pitting corrosion upon 7075-T6 high strength aluminum alloy, often associated with cathodic intermetallic particles decreases its fatigue life by a factor of about 6 to 8. In order to improve the corrosion resistance of this alloy, arc spray coatings of molybdenum and aluminum are applied. The open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization measurements made in 3.5% NaCl naturally aerated solution reveal that the molybdenum coating, which has an excellent hardness, shifts the 7075-T6 corrosion potential (E _corr) to noble values and increases slightly the corrosion current density (i _corr). On the contrary, when the aluminum coating alloy is applied, both E _corr and i _corr are shifted to better values. The increase of i _corr of the alloy when molybdenum coating is applied can be attributed to the high porosity present into the coating. On the other hand, microstructure observations of the aluminum coating reveal a small porosity, which helps the formation of passive oxide film that protects the coating against a further corrosion.     

Corrosion protection of steel reinforcement by a pretreatment in phosphate solutions: assessment of passivity by electrochemical techniques

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study the protection of steel reinforcement against corrosion by pretreatment in phosphate (Na₃PO₄) solution. The work has been carried out using electrochemical techniques, i.e. corrosion potential E _corr, polarisation resistance R _P and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The results have been validated by a gravimetric method. It has been stressed that R _P measurements, determined by DC techniques, include the charge transfer resistance R _t plus the resistance associated with the redox process R _ox, both determined by EIS. Also the results have demonstrated that the treatment of the rebar by immersion in the Na₃PO₄ (0·5M) solution favours the formation of a passive layer on the steel rebar surface, which is able to resist longer the action of chlorides to initiate corrosion. However, the resistance of the passive layer against chloride depends on the duration of the treatment by immersion of the rebar within the phosphate solution.     

Corrosion characterization of microarc oxidation coatings formed on Mg–7Li alloy

Ceramic coatings with thickness of 27 µm were fabricated on Mg–7Li alloy in Na₂SiO₃–C₆H₁₈O₂₄P₆ solution by microarc oxidation (MAO). The morphology and phase composition of MAO coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion behavior of the bare and MAO coated Mg–7Li alloy was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that the MAO coatings were composed of MgO, Li₂O, and Mg₂SiO₄, and there existed some micropores on the coating surface with a diameter of 3–20 µm. The corrosion potential (E_corr) and corrosion current density (I_corr) of the MAO coated alloy were about ?1.4761 V and 7.204 × 10^?7 A/cm², respectively. The E_corr of the MAO coated alloy increased by 109.6 mV and its I_corr decreased by three orders compared with that of the bare Mg–7Li alloy. The EIS plots indicated that the impedance of the MAO coated alloy was 15 times higher than that of the bare alloy. The fitting parameters showed that the resistance of the MAO coatings was far greater than that of the bare alloy. The dense intermediate layer and the transition layer of the MAO coatings acted as a barrier to hinder the proceeding of solution permeation, remarkably improving the corrosion resistance of the Mg–7Li alloy.     

Tempering kinetics and corrosion resistance of quenched and tempered AISI 4130 medium carbon steel

The kinetics and the effects of tempering on the corrosion resistance of AISI 4130 steel were studied. The tempering activation energy was close to that for the diffusion of C in α-iron. This implies that the tempering kinetics in this steel is controlled by carbon diffusion. By increasing the time and temperature of tempering, the corrosion current density (i_corr) in the polarization curves decreased whereas the diameter of the semicircular arc in the Nyquist plots increased, which implies higher corrosion resistance. The i_corr was successfully related to hardness, which actually indicates the effect of microstructure. Based on these findings, the quench and tempering treatment was used to adjust both the hardness and corrosion resistance of the AISI 4130 steel.     

Corrosion behaviour of thermal sprayed nitinol coatings

NiTi alloy is here investigated as an alternative coating to stainless steel since it is considered to possess good corrosion properties. Three different thermal spray techniques (high velocity oxy-fuel -HVOF-, vacuum plasma spray -VPS- and atmospheric plasma spray quenching -APS+Q-) have been used for building the coatings, and electrochemical tests have been carried out for corrosion evaluation. Open-circuit tests have revealed that the VPS-coating shows fairly good corrosion resistance, both in the as-sprayed and polished forms. The HVOF coatings however, showed a strong dependence on the surface conditions and APS+Q is dominated by electrolyte penetration through coating cracks, thus exhibiting a higher i_corr.     

The use of electrochemical techniques for the investigation and monitoring of microbiologically influenced corrosion and its inhibition – a review

The background of several electrochemical techniques – recording of the corrosion potential E_corr, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical noise analysis (ENA) and recording of potentiodynamic polarization curves – has been discussed and examples of the use of these techniques in studies of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and MIC inhibition have been presented. These examples range from the use of the polarization resistance R_p and the noise resistance R_n in corrosion monitoring in a sewer environment and a gas production field, respectively, to the application of EIS and ENA in the evaluation of the interaction of bacteria with protective coatings on steel exposed to natural seawater (NS). A more detailed analysis based on EIS and ENA of Corrosion protection of Al 2024, mild steel and brass in artificial seawater (AS) by bacteria such as B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, E. coli and Shewanella has been presented. Determination of the changes of R_p and R_n as well as E_corr allows to propose appropriate mechanisms of MIC inhibition. These mechanisms have been confirmed in the case of S. algae by recording of anodic and cathodic potentiodynamic polarization curves after exposure to AS containing the bacteria for extended time periods.     

Formation of Phosphate Coatings on Steel and Corrosion Performance of Phosphated Specimens in Alkaline Solutions

Crystalline and amorphous phosphate coatings were formed on steel samples with the intention of using them for corrosion resistance enhancement of steel reinforcement in concrete. The physical properties of the phosphate coatings were studied using the following methods: the weights of phosphate coating and those of dissolved metal were calculated from gravimetric measurements, surface morphology studies were carried out with an AFM and the phase composition of coatings was analysed by X-ray diffraction. An indicator of film porosity was considered as the maximum difference between potential values of growth completeness of phosphate film and those of metal dissolution. The corrosion behaviour of phosphated steel specimens was studied in 1 × 10^?5 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions (pH=8.5, 13) without/with 0.1 M Cl^? ions. The phosphate coating protection abilities were related to its composition, thickness and porosity. All the crystalline phosphate coatings studied protect steel from corrosion in alkaline solutions in a wide range of pH even when Cl^? ions are present. The best protective properties were exhibited by medium weight crystalline phosphate coatings. Amorphous phosphate coating is not chemically stable in strongly alkaline solutions because of the hydrolysis of iron phosphate present in it.     

Electrochemical corrosion behaviour and surface morphology of electrodeposited zinc,zinc–cobalt and their composite coatings

Abstract

The electrochemical behaviour as well as the surface morphology characteristics of electrodeposited Zn and Zn-Co (≈3 wt-%) alloy coatings on low carbon steel samples, with and without included nanoparticles of organic co-polymers in their structure, are discussed. Their corrosion resistance and protective properties were studied in a model corrosion medium, 5 wt-% NaCl, using electrochemical methods such as polarisation resistance (R _p) measurements and potentiodynamic (PD) polarisation curves. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to examine the surface morphology changes of the samples before and after the corrosion treatment. Some conclusions are drawn about the influence and importance of the organic nanoparticles on the corrosion behaviour of the coatings presented.     

Characterization and Performance of Magnetron-Sputtered Zirconium Coatings Deposited on 9Cr-1Mo Steel

Zirconium coatings of different thicknesses have been deposited at 773 K on 9Cr-1Mo steel substrate using pulsed DC magnetron sputtering. These coatings were heat treated in vacuum at two different temperatures (1173 and 1273 K) for one hour. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of Zr-coated samples revealed the formation of α-phase (HCP structure) of Zr. XRD analysis of heat-treated samples show the presence of Zr₃Fe and Zr₂Fe intermetallics. The lattice parameter of these coatings was calculated, and it matches with the bulk values when the thickness reached 2µm. In order to understand this, crystallite size and strain values of these coatings were calculated from XRD plots employing Williamson-Hall method. In order to assess the performance of the coatings, systematic corrosion tests were carried out. The corrosion current density calculated from the polarization behavior showed that the corrosion current density of the uncoated 9Cr-1Mo steel was higher than the coated sample before and after the heat treatment. Studies using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that the coated steel has higher impedance than the uncoated steel. The corrosion resistance of 9Cr1Mo steel had improved after Zr coating. However, the corrosion resistance of the coating after heat treatment decreased when compared to the as-deposited coating. The microstructure and composition of the surface oxide film influence the corrosion resistance of the Zr-coated 9Cr1Mo steel.     

Effect of Immersion Time and Cooling Mode on the Electrochemical Behavior of Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel in Sulfuric Acid Medium

In this work, we investigated the influence of galvanizing immersion time and cooling modes environments on the electrochemical corrosion behavior of hot-dip galvanized steel, in 1 M sulfuric acid electrolyte at room temperature using potentiodynamic polarization technique. In addition, the evolution of thickness, structure and microstructure of zinc coatings for different immersion times and two cooling modes (air and water) is characterized, respectively, by using of Elcometer scan probe, x-ray diffraction and metallography analysis. The analysis of the behavior of steel and galvanized steel, vis-a-vis corrosion, by means of corrosion characteristic parameters as anodic (β _a) and cathodic (β _c) Tafel slopes, corrosion potential (E _corr), corrosion current density (i _corr), corrosion rate (CR) and polarization resistance (R _p), reveals that the galvanized steel has anticorrosion properties much better than that of steel. More the immersion time increases, more the zinc coatings thickness increases, and more these properties become better. The comparison between the two cooling modes shows that the coatings of zinc produced by hot-dip galvanization and air-cooled provides a much better protection to steel against corrosion than those cooled by quenching in water which exhibit a brittle corrosive behavior due to the presence of cracks.     

电流密度对ZK60镁合金表面超疏水涂层的制备及耐腐蚀性的影响

为了提高镁合金的耐腐蚀性能,基于层状双氢氧化物（LDHs）膜在ZK60镁合金表面制备了超疏水（SH）涂层。涂层制备过程中引入电场辅助,研究了工作电流密度对涂层性能的影响。结果表明,工作电流密度显著影响LDHs膜的微观结构,这对SH涂层的疏水性具有重要影响。当工作电流密度为25 mA/cm²时,SH涂层表面呈现均匀的微纳米结构,并表现出超疏水性。超疏水涂层的腐蚀电流密度（I_corr=9×10^-7 A·cm^-2）比ZK60基体的腐蚀电流密度（I_corr=3×10^-5 A·cm^-2）低了2个数量级,表现出优异的耐腐蚀性。     

The effects of nano-SiO2 additive on the zinc phosphating of carbon steel

In this paper, nano-SiO₂ was used as an accelerator for improving the microstructure and the corrosion resistance of phosphate coating on carbon steel. The chemical composition and microstructure of the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of nano-SiO₂ on weight, roughness and corrosion resistance of the phosphate coatings were also investigated. Results show that the compositions of phosphate coating were Zn₃(PO₄)₂·4H₂O (hopeite), and Zn₂Fe(PO₄)₂·4H₂O (phosphophylite). The phosphate coatings became denser due to the addition of nano-SiO₂ which reduced the size of the crystal clusters. The average weight of phosphate coatings approximately linearly increased with the nano-SiO₂ content in the bath from 0 to 4 g/L, and the phosphate coatings formed in bath containing 2 g/L nano-SiO₂ showed the highest corrosion resistance in 5 wt.% sodium chloride solution at ambient temperature. Nano-SiO₂ would be widely utilized as a phosphating additive to replace the traditional nitrite, due to its less pollutant and its better quality of the coating.     

Electrochemical evaluation of the corrosion protectiveness and porosity of vacuum annealed CrAlN and TiAlN cathodic arc physical vapor deposited coatings

The corrosion behavior of cathodic arc physical vapor deposited CrAlN and TiAlN coatings were examined in 1 M HCl solution before and after vacuum annealing at 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) methods were used to study the corrosion behavior and porosity of the coatings in comparison with the bare steel substrate (304SS). Structural and mechanical characterization of the coatings were also conducted. It is found that with increasing annealing temperature, the mechanical properties of TiAlN increased due to age hardening caused by spinodal decomposition while the hardness of CrAlN decreased as result of relaxation. Similarly, EIS and PDP results revealed that the as‐deposited and annealed coatings offer higher corrosion resistance as compared to the bare 304SS substrate. The coatings susceptibility to corrosion is reduced after annealing as indicated by the increasing nobility of E_corr. Both PDP and EIS tests revealed that CrAlN coating annealed at 1000°C exhibited superior corrosion resistance properties. It is found that the reduced current density for CrAlN coating annealed at 1000°C was due to the reduction in the porosity. Annealed TiAlN coating follows similar behavior until an optimum annealing temperature of 800°C. Beyond this temperature, porosity enlargement and an increase in the number of pores subsequent to structural changes deteriorated the corrosion resistance of TiAlN coating.     

Microstructure and properties of TiN/Ni composite coating prepared by plasma transferred arc scanning process

The TiN/Ni composite coatings were deposited on 7005 aluminium alloy by high speed jet electroplating and then processed with plasma transferred arc(PTA) scanning process. The microstructure, microhardness and friction coefficient of PTA scanning treated specimens were investigated. It is shown that the PTA scanning treated specimens have a rapidly solidified microstructure consisting of the uniformly distributed TiN phase and fine Al₃Ni₂ intermetallic phases. The composite coating has an average microhardness of approximately HV 800. The friction coefficient of PTA scanning treated specimens (oscillated at around 0.25) is considerably lower than that of TiN/Ni composite coating (oscillated at around 0.35). The corrosion behavior of the composite coating in 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature was also determined using a potentiostat system. In comparison with the corrosion potential _corr of −0.753 V for 7005 aluminium alloy, the corrosion potentials for TiN/Ti composite coating and PTA scanning treated specimen are increased by 0.148 V and 0.305 V, respectively. The PTA scanning treated specimen has the lowest corrosion current densityJ_corr as well as the highest corrosion potential _corr, showing an improved corrosion resistance compared with 7005 aluminium alloy.     

超疏水Ni-P-Al2O3纳米复合镀层的制备及耐腐蚀性能研究

为提高45钢基体材料的耐腐蚀性能,采用电化学法与氟硅烷修饰相结合的方式在45钢基体表面制备超疏水Ni-P-Al2O3纳米复合镀层,并对镀层的表面形貌、晶相结构、表面粗糙度、润湿性及耐蚀性能进行了研究。结果表明:采用电沉积法制备的Ni-P-Al2O3镀层表面均匀、致密,且无明显气孔缺陷,接触角测试表明其表面达到了超疏水状态,而经电化学加工后,镀层表面形成不规则的微凹坑结构,表面粗糙度值明显增大。经电化学测试,与普通Ni-P-Al2O3镀层相比,超疏水Ni-P-Al2O3镀层的腐蚀电流密度、腐蚀速率均更小,表现出优异的耐腐蚀性能。