Studies on electrodeposition of Zn–MoS2 nanocomposite coatings on mild steel and its properties

Pure zinc and Zn–MoS2 composite coatings were prepared by electrodeposition from zinc sulfate–chloride bath containing uniformly dispersed MoS2 nanoparticles. The effect of MoS2 on the deposition properties morphology, crystallographic orientation, and corrosion behavior were studied. The electrokinetic properties (zeta potential) and size distribution statistics in plating bath for the particles were evaluated using dynamic light scattering experiments. The Zn and Zn–MoS2 deposition process was studied by linear polarization and cyclic voltammetry. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and potentiodynamic polarization measurements were used to characterize the coatings. The addition of MoS2 to the electrolyte significantly changed the microstructure and crystallographic orientation of the zinc deposits and enhanced the corrosion resistance of the coatings. The morphological and electrochemical properties of the zinc coatings were observed to be significantly affected by the incorporation of MoS2 particles into the zinc matrix.