ANODIC FILMS ON ZINC AND FORMATION OF COBWEBS

When zinc is anodized under certain conditions in a strongly alkaline solution such as 7. 0 molar (M) aqueous potassium hydroxide, entities form which resemble spiderwebs under the microscope. Such structures have been called zinc cobwebs. In this paper, a discussion of the relationship between the different anodic films that form on zinc and the current-potential curve is used as a basis for considering the mechanism of the formation of these cobwebs. In addition, this paper is concerned with their composition and properites as well as their effects on other phenomena that occur with the alkaline zinc electrode.