A study on Zn corrosion resistance of WC spray coating sealed with carbon nanotube suspensions

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of carbon nanotubes on the zinc corrosion resistance of sealing layer formed on the Tungsten Carbide spray coating. Using the nanotubes, a sealing agent in the form of solid-liquid suspensions was made and applied to the surface of spray coating. A series of experiments, consisted of three stages such as preparation of test piece, molten-pot immersion test, and evaluation of micro structure, were undertaken to demonstrate complicated interaction existing between zinc ions and sealing layer containing the nanotubes.Experimental results showed newly developed sealing layer were less susceptible to corrosion and thus coated layer was well protected even in the case of 10 days exposure. Comparison of the micro structure after molten pot test also indicated that carbon nanotubes still remained in the matrix and organized more reliable frame work constituted with boron nitride and chromium compound. It was revealed that carbon nanotubes in the sealing layer played positive role to enhance zinc corrosion resistance in the perspective of both fibrous structure and inherent chemical stability.