Corrosion performance of a hot-dip galvanized steel treated by different kinds of conversion coatings

The anticorrosive performance of various kinds of conversion coatings including Cr(VI) and Cr(III) were studied on hot galvanized steel (HDG). The effect of Co(II) and Ni(II) ions was also examined on the Cr(III) coating performance. DC and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted when the specimens were immersed in 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride solution. The coating morphology was observed using SEM. Micro-cracks were observed on both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) treated samples. The results indicated a decrease in the corrosion rate of HDG when the Cr(III) or Cr(VI) conversion coatings were found on the surface. The greater anticorrosion resistance of a Cr(VI) treated sample (compared with a Cr(III) one) was obtained at low immersion times. However, a significant decrease in self healing behavior and therefore corrosion resistance of the Cr(VI) treated sample was observed at longer immersion times. The anticorrosion resistance of Cr(III) treated samples was significantly improved using Co(II) or Ni(II) conversion coatings on Cr(III) treated samples. On the other hand, a lower decrease in corrosion performance of samples treated by Cr(III) and Co(II) or Ni(II) was obtained after a long immersion time in corrosive environment. It was found that, the passive and barrier layer which the Co(II) or Ni(II) conversion coating can produce on the Cr(III) coating can superiorly improve its anticorrosion resistance.