Zn-Ni alloy deposits obtained by continuous and pulsed electrodeposition processes

Electroplated zinc coatings are considered one main way for the corrosion protection of steel sheet. Recently, the interest in zinc alloy coatings such as Zn-Ni, Zn-Fe and Zn-Co has increased owing to their better mechanical and corrosion properties compared with pure zinc coatings. New processes such as pulsed electrodeposition (deposition methods based on current pulses) have been producing deposits with better physical and anti-corrosion characteristics. In the present research a chloride bath was used and Zn-Ni alloy deposits were obtained using continuous current and pulsed current processes. The morphologies obtained for the two deposit types are presented, as well as an analysis of some parameters that influence (such as temperature and on-time) its characteristics. Electrochemical test results are also presented in order to verify the corrosion behavior of deposits. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.