Tartaric-sulfuric acid anodic (TSA) films were prepared on the surface of the 2024 Al alloy. These films were sealed with cerium salts at 25 °C and 65 °C, hot water, and dichromate. The morphology and corrosion resistance of the anodic films were investigated using a field emission scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive spectrometer, an electrochemical workstation, an acidic spot test, and an immersion test. The results indicated that the surface of the TSA film sealed with cerium salt at 65 °C had a slightly lower cerium content compared to the TSA film sealed at 25 °C. It was found that increasing the sealing temperature of cerium salt could enhance the corrosion resistance of the TSA film. After immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 336 h, no obvious corrosion pits were observed on the surface of the TSA film sealed at 65 °C, whereas many larger corrosion pits appeared on the surface of the TSA film sealed at 25 °C. The improved corrosion resistance of the TSA film sealed at 65 °C could be attributed to the synergistic effect of cerium oxide deposition and the hydration reaction. The corrosion resistance of the TSA film sealed at 65 °C was significantly better than that of the film sealed with hot water, but it was still lower than that of the TSA film sealed with dichromate.
2 at.% Cu + 2 at.% Ni were co-doped in ZnO nanoparticles by a simple hydrothermal method, and then the modified nanoparticles were compounded into Cu-Ni alloy coatings using an electroplating technique. The effects of the current density (15–45 mA/cm2) on the phase structure, surface morphology, thickness, microhardness, corrosion resistance, and photocatalytic properties of the coatings were investigated. The results show that the Cu-Ni-Zn0.96Ni0.02Cu0.02O nanocomposite coatings had the highest compactness and the best overall performance at a current density of 35 mA/cm2. At this point, the co-deposition rate reached its maximum, resulting in the deposition of more Zn0.96Ni0.02Cu0.02O nanoparticles in the coating. More nanoparticles were dispersed in the coating with a better particle strengthening effect, which resulted in a minimum crystallite size of 15.21 nm and a maximum microhardness of 558 HV. Moreover, the surface structure of the coatings became finer and denser. Therefore, the corrosion resistance was significantly improved with a corrosion current density of 2.21 × 10–3 mA/cm2, and the charge transfer resistance was up to 20.98 kΩ·cm2. The maximum decolorization rate of the rhodamine B solution was 24.08% under ultraviolet light irradiation for 5 h. The improvement in the comprehensive performance was mainly attributed to the greater concentration of Zn0.96Ni0.02Cu0.02O nanoparticles in the coating, which played the role of the particle-reinforced phase and reduced the microstructure defects.
The effect of Al or Cu content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of continuous casting and extrusion Zn alloys has been studied by a room temperature tensile test, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. With the increase in Al content, the microstructure of continuous casting and extrusion Zn alloys slightly coarsens, and the lamellar eutectic structure increases. The changes in the above structural factors result in a slight decrease in strength and a significant increase in the elongation of Zn-Al alloys. The strength of Zn alloys increases as the Cu content increases due to the increased content and size of the second phase in the Zn alloys. This means that the mechanical properties of Zn alloys can be adjusted by a continuous casting and extrusion process, and the improvement of equipment capacity can improve the structure and morphology of the alloys.
The effect of Al or Cu content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of continuous casting and extrusion Zn alloys has been studied by room temperature tensile test, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope. With the increase of Al content, the microstructure of continuous casting and extrusion Zn alloys slightly coarsens and the lamellar eutectic structure increases. The changes in the above structural factors result in a slight decrease in strength and a significant increase in elongation of Zn-Al alloys. The strength of Zn alloys increases as the Cu content increases, due to the increased content and size of the second phase in the Zn alloys. This means that the mechanical properties of Zn alloys can be adjusted by continuous casting and extrusion process, and the improvement of equipment capacity can improve the structure and morphology of the alloys.