Composition and Morphologies of Electrodeposited Zinc- nickel-manganese Coatings

A ternary alloy of Zn-Ni-Mn was electrodeposited onto mild steel from a sulphate-citrate bath containing boric and ascorbic acid using both pulse and direct current (DC). The relationships between current density, current efficiency and composition were investigated. Thickness measurements, current efficiency calculations, and compositional analysis using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and SEM characterisation, were undertaken. It was possible to produce an alloy containing up to 10% Ni and 6% Mn. The nickel underwent anomalous co-deposition and the manganese regular co-deposition. Both DC and pulse electrodeposition showed an increase in the Mn and Ni percentage as the applied current density was increased. DC electrodeposition tended to produce higher nickel and manganese contents.