Galvanized steel inhibition in saline médium by cerous chloride

Abstract

The addition of small amounts of cerous chloride, as inhibitor of hot dip galvanised steel corrosión in aerated 3,5% NaCl solutions is studied. The results found so far, carried out by electrochemical techniques and accelerated tests, show a clear decrease in the zinc dissolution rate. The analysis of polarization curves and specimen surface suggest, in accordance with literature, that cerium acts as a cathodic inhibitor, blocking the oxygen reduction centers. Alternate immersion tests developed an excellent behaviour of specimens pre-treated in cerium containing solutions, compared to those without treatments. A rich cerium film is responsible of the improvement in the protective properties. These results prove the possibilities of cerium as an alternative treatment to those based on chromates, which are very effective on these materials but highly toxic.