Cathodic electrophoretic deposition of α-Fe2O3 coating

Submicro α-Fe2O3 coatings were formed using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique in aqueous media. The zeta potentials of different α-Fe2O3 suspensions with different additives were measured as a function of pH to identify the optimum suspension condition for deposition. Electrophoretic depositions of α-Fe2O3 coatings under different applied electric fields and deposition time were studied and the effects of applied voltages and deposition time on deposition rates and thicknesses were investigated. The particle packing densities of the deposits at various applied voltages and deposition time were also analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that crack-free α-Fe2O3 coatings with uniform microstructure and good adherence to the nickel substrates are successfully obtained. Electrophoretic deposited α-Fe2O3 coating from aqueous suspension is a feasible, low-cost and environmental friendly method.