The anodic dissolution of zinc and zinc alloys in alkaline solution I Oxide formation on electrogalvanized steel

The polarization behaviour of zinc in alkaline solution has been investigated using atomic emission spectroelectrochemistry By independently measuring the oxidation rate of zinc (electrical current) and the rate of Zn2+ dissolution (partial elemental current) It is possible to calculate the amount of insoluble zinc cations produced at any instant Assuming the insoluble cations are present as a zinc oxide film the growth of this film as a function of potential and time was determined On the basis of kinetic evidence it was found that at least three forms of zinc based oxide/hydroxide films form during polarization experiments Type I oxide formation occurs when the metal/electrolyte interface becomes locally saturated with Zn2+ ions Type II oxide forms on the metal surface underneath the film of Type I oxide but has little inhibiting effect on zinc dissolution Type III oxide is produced in much smaller quantity and results in a transition to the passive state This may be due to a potential Induced transition of Type II -> Type III oxide (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved