CeO2–TiO2 mixed oxide incorporated high performance hot dip zinc coating

The greatest limitation in using zinc coated steel in industrial environments is the biofilm formation and greater dissolution rate of zinc. If initial bacterial adhesion to the coating surface is inhibited, biofilm formation will be prevented. In the present work, effective corrosion resistance and better antifouling characteristics for the coatings was achieved by the incorporation of CeO2–TiO2 mixed oxides. Based on the performance of the coatings during physicochemical and electrochemical characterization, the concentration of the mixed oxide in the bath was optimized as 0.40 wt.% CeO2 + 0.10 wt.% TiO2. The interior layers of the mixed oxide incorporated coatings exhibited greater stability towards corrosion. The morphological results from SEM and AFM analyses reveal the structural refinement and better quality of mixed oxide incorporated coatings. The incorporation of the CeO2–TiO2 mixed oxide into the galvanic bath yielded coatings with effective barrier protection, better corrosion resistance, good antifouling characteristics and improved surface quality. The coating was non porous in nature and have potential scope for high industrial utility.