Electrodeposition and characterisation of Zn, Zn-Fe and Zn-Fe-Ni coatings in presence of gelatin as additive

Studies of the factors that enhance the corrosion behaviour of electrodeposited Zn, Zn-Fe and Zn-Fe-Ni coatings are highly relevant due to the considerable industrial use of these alloys as protective coatings for steel substrates. This paper reports on the corrosion behaviour and structure of Zn, Zn-Fe and Zn-Fe-Ni coatings deposited from an acid citrate solution studied in the absence and in the presence of gelatin as additive. The presence of Fe or Fe-Ni in the Zn matrix increases Zn coating corrosion resistance. The presence of gelatin in the plating bath increases the corrosion resistance of Zn, Zn-Fe and Zn-Fe-Ni coatings.