The Effect of Zn and Zn–WO3 Composites Nano-Coatings Deposition on Hardness and Corrosion Resistance in Steel Substrate

Abstract

Pure Zn (Zinc) and its Zn–WO3 (Zinc–Tungsten trioxide) composite coatings were deposited on mild steel specimens by applying the electrodeposition technique. Zn–WO3 composites were prepared for the concentration of 0.5 and 1.0 g/L of particles. The influence of WO3 particles on Zn deposition, the surface morphology of composite, and texture co-efficient were analyzed using a variety of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Higher corrosion resistance and microhardness were observed on the Zn–WO3 composite (concentration of 1.0 g/L). The higher corrosion resistance and microhardness of 1.0 g/L Zn–WO3 nanocomposite coatings effectively protect the steel used for the manufacture of products, parts, or systems from chemical or electrochemical deterioration in industrial and marine ambient environments.