Characterisation of the galvanic protection of zinc flake coating by spectroelectrochemistry and industrial testing

The properties of hot-dip galvanised and electroplated zinc coatings on steel have been widely studied, but the corrosion mechanisms flake not yet investigated in similar detail. Here, we investigate protective effect inorganic lamellar coatings, comparing metallic dissolution rates different zinc, aluminium alloyed flakes using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) flow cell. These experiments were carried out both intact predamaged with electrolytes. Data also compared to accelerated laboratory tests outdoor weathering results. chloride concentration, its passive oxide film, appears be a key aspect moderating rate hence sacrificial under various conditions. complementary use ICP-MS cell analysis provides new insights into influence corrosive environment impact (alloy) used. Based this approach, tailored coating solutions can developed.