The effect of zirconium conversion layer on the corrosion performance of epoxy coated mild steel

In this study, anti corrosion performance of a zirconium treated mild steel (ZTMS) with an epoxy organic coating was evaluated using AC electrochemical techniques. The topography and morphology of the zirconium treated samples were studied using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), respectively. The results revealed that the anti corrosion performance of the epoxy coated mild steel significantly increased after zirconium conversion treatment due to formation of the zirconium-based compounds on the surface. Additionally, it was proved that formation of zirconium conversion layer made a nano-scaled film on the surface and increased the surface roughness.