EIS study on the corrosion performance of a Cr(III)-based conversion coating on zinc galvanized steel for the automotive industry

The corrosion performance of a new industrial Cr(III)-based conversion coating on zinc galvanized FeP04 steel for the automotive industry was studied. For comparison, the zinc galvanized steel submitted to a Cr(VI)-based passivation treatment was also examined. The corrosion behavior was assessed by means of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in aerated 0.1 M NaCl solution. The behavior of untreated zinc galvanized FeP04 steel in aerated 0.1 M NaCl solution was also studied. The results obtained indicate that with the same thickness, the coating generated in the Cr(III) treatment bath exhibits better corrosion properties compared to the coating formed in the Cr(VI) treatment bath. The difference in the corrosion protection given by the two conversion coating types can be ascribed to the difference in the chromium content and coating composition.