Deposition Mechanism and Corrosion Resistance of Electrodeposited ZnCo Coatings Passivated by Trivalent Chromium and Molybdate
摘要
In this study, ZnCo alloy coatings were electrodeposited on Q235B steel to enhance its corrosion resistance, followed by trivalent chromium-molybdate passivation for additional protection. The deposition mechanism, surface morphology, roughness, chemical composition and corrosion behavior of Zn, ZnCo and passivated ZnCo coatings were systematically investigated. During electrodeposition, Zn2+ and Co2+ ions were coreduced onto the cathode surface, with Co being preferentially deposited at lower current densities, resulting in a compact alloy structure. The subsequent passivation involved the formation of a Cr(III)-Mo oxide film, primarily composed of Cr2O3 and MoO2, which acted as an effective corrosion barrier. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed that the passivated ZnCo coating was composed of Zn (80.2 wt.%), Co (19.8 wt.%), Cr (13.9 wt.%) and Mo (7.3 wt.%). After immersion in 3.5% NaCl solution for seven days, the passivated ZnCo coating exhibited the lowest surface roughness (0.492 μm) and corrosion current density (0.689 μA cm−2), demonstrating superior corrosion resistance. The synergistic effect of Cr and Mo within the passive film provides durable protection and significantly enhances the corrosion performance of ZnCo-coated Q235B steel.