Electrochemical Analysis of Zn-plated Samples with Blackish Green Passivation Film

The corrosion resistance of blackishgreen passivation films on zinc-plated steel sheet was studied by polarization curve measurement, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and neutral salt spray test. The passivated sample featured a more positive corrosion potential and much lower corrosion current density as compared to non-passivated sample in 5% (mass fraction) NaCl solution. The Nyquist plots of the samples with and without passivation were characterized as two complete capacitive arcs, indicating that the corrosion is controlled by electrochemical process. The radii of capacitive arcs of the passivated sample are larger than those of non-passivated sample, because the passivation film formed on the sample surface increases the reaction resistance in corrosion process, thus the corrosion resistance of the sample is improved. The anti-white rust time of the passivation film in neutral salt spray test is 400 h.