Influence of additives on electrodeposition of bright Zn-Ni alloy on mild steel from acid sulphate bath

The influence of a condensation product (CP) of veratraldehyde (VRTD) and p-amino benzoic acid (PABA) on Zn-Ni alloy electrodeposited onto mild steel was studied in acidic sulphate solutions. Ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA) and cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) were used as complexing and wetting agents, respectively. The effect of bath constituents, pH, current density and temperature on nature of deposit were studied through Hull cell experiments. The bath constituents and operating parameters were optimized. Deposit properties and corrosion resistance were discussed. Throwing power, current efficiency and polarization studies were carried out. SEM photomicrographs of the deposit obtained from optimum bath revealed fine-grained deposit of the alloy in the presence of condensation product and hence modified the morphology of zinc-nickel alloy deposit. IR spectrum of the scrapped deposit showed inclusion of addition agent.