Synthesis of CuO micro and nanoparticles as composite additives for corrosion resistant Zn-composite coatings on mild steel

Micro and nano structured CuO particles were synthesized from co-precipitation method. The average crystallite size and morphology of the particles were determined using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The effects of micro and nano sized CuO particles on the corrosion resistance of a Zn-coating were studied. The Zn-composite coatings were developed by electrodeposition using a Zn-sulfate plating bath suspended with micro/nano structured CuO particles under dc conditions. The co-deposition of secondary phase particles in the Zn-metal matrix changed the surface morphology of the metal matrix which has been analyzed by SEM photo micrographs. The Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) corrosion tests were performed to study the corrosion resistance property of the coatings. The corrosion resistivity of Zn-metal matrix was more improvised by the co-deposition of CuO nanoparticles than by the CuO microparticles.