Juan Creus

Zn-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were deposited onto mild steel substrates by electrodeposition process. Our study highlights the effect of ceria nanoparticles embedded into a metallic matrix on the corrosion behavior in saline environment. The experimental results show that the ceria incorporation and dispersion depend on the particles concentration in the electrolyte. High concentrations of particles favor agglomeration and adsorption of agglomerates on the surface of the zinc coating. A slight improvement of the corrosion resistance compared to pure electrodeposited zinc coatings is observed. The beneficial effect seems to be dependent on the dispersion of the nanoparticles embedded inside the mela matrix. The distribution of nanoparticles seems to be the key-parameter influencing the corrosion behavior, permitting to improve the corrosion behavior during extended immersion test.