Electrolytic co-deposition of silicate and mica particles with zinc

Particles of silicate and mica were co-deposited with zinc from a weakly acid zinc electrolyte.The co-deposition became possible after 3 h of milling of the particles. A pH of 4.5, a rotation speed of 600 rpm and a particle concentration of 50 g/l were the optimal conditions. A change of the zeta potential to positive values was observed, caused by adsorption of zinc ions on the particle surface. Under these conditions the particle concentration in the zinc matrix was up to 20 mass per cent. The compound layers showed increased hardness and considerably improved corrosion resistance.