Abstract
The growth processes of trivalent chromium-based conversion (TCC) coatings on galvanized steel at room temperature (298.15 K) were studied using the potential-time curve, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results display the integrity of bi-layers at stage II around 50 s causes enhanced corrosion resistance and film compactness. The protection of surficial film, dominated by inner Cr(III)-rich barrier layer, is weakened after stage III, where it presents defective bi-layers with the mixed kinetic-diffusion control. Thermodynamic stability, layer growth and structural evolution of the film formation above Zn are discussed by the Pourbaix diagrams, molecular dynamics and schematic models, respectively.
NSTL
Elsevier