In this work, the phosphatizing process of steel is investigated using open circuit potential and Tafel curves as well as scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results reveal that a pH of 2.57 in the phosphatizing solution promotes the dissociation of phosphoric acid which assists the formation of the manganese tertiary salt (Mn<sub>3</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>), which is deposited on the substrate. It was also observed that an increase in the temperature from 25 to 90°C and the presence of HNO<sub>3</sub> as catalyst enhances the manganese phosphatizing kinetics. On the other hand, the generation of iron phosphates and oxides is predominant at a pH of 1 and 90°C. These observations are supported by species distribution and Pourbaix thermodynamic diagrams.
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