The electrodeposition and properties of Zn-Ni plus Ni composite coatings

The Zn-Ni+Ni coatings were deposited under galvanostatic conditions at the current density range from 20 to 60 mA cm(-2). The influence of deposition current density on surface morphology, chemical and phase composition and corrosion resistance of obtained coatings, was investigated. Structural investigations were conducted by X-ray diffraction method. Surface morphology and surface chemical composition of the obtained coatings were determined by a scanning electron microscope. Studies of electrochemical corrosion resistance were carried out in the 5% NaCl solution, using potentiodynamic and Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) methods. A possibility of incorporation of nickel powder from a suspension bath to the Zn-Ni matrix, during galvanostatic deposition was demonstrated. The results of chemical composition analysis show that the Zn-Ni + Ni coatings contain approximately 15-18% at Ni. It was found that surface morphology, surface chemical and phase composition of Zn-Ni + Ni coatings depend in small degree on deposition current density. However, the current density influences distribution of nickel powder on the surface of these coatings. The optimal values of current density on account of corrosion resistance, are found to be j = 40-50 mA cm(-2).