Study of catecholate-functionalized zinc complex on carbon steel and its application to corrosion resistance

Abstract

Abstract This work investigated the corrosion resistance of an acceptable composite coating obtained from catecholate-functionalized zinc complex (CFZ). The ion distribution states of catechol and Zn(II) at different pH values were calculated, and the anticorrosion of coatings on carbon steel by means of neutral salt spray test were specifically monitored. CFZ-steel was fabricated using 30 min electrodeposition of CFZ/Na2SO4 media at pH 9 on carbon steel. Lower corrosion degree of CFZ-steel in salt spray during oxidation process meant slight amount of corrosion attack on the steel surface. Also, the growth tendency of corrosion rate was gradually reduced, indicating a nonlinear relationship between corrosion rate and contact time. This indicated electrodeposition of CFZ was not only appropriate for the practical application of composite coatings to corrosion resistance but also a key step for extending the service life of carbon steel.