Physico-chemical properties of Zn-Fe alloy deposits from an alkaline sulphate bath containing triethanolamine

The composition, properties, structure and morphology of Zn-Fe alloy deposits obtained from an alkaline sulphate bath have been investigated. The bath containing triethanolamine produced smooth, uniform and bright Zn-Fe alloy deposits having the desired 15–25% Fe. The deposition potentials of Zn-Fe alloy lie between the potentials of the individual metals. Increased current density lowered the Fe percentage in the alloy deposit. The structure and morphology of the alloy deposits were found to depend on the Fe percentage in the alloy.