Examination of microstructural features of zinc protective coatings on low carbon steel formed in fluidised bed reactor

Galvanising is the most widely used process for zinc coating. However alternative methods exist with less environmental impact such as fluidised bed process. In this work the structure of Zn coatings formed with fluidised bed process technique at 400°C for 1 h holding time has been studied. The coated samples were observed with scanning electron microscopy and characterised with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The as formed phases correspond to gamma and delta phases of the Fe–Zn system. Some of the as deposited coatings are likely to provide sufficient anticorrosive protection while others are of low quality, as many porous areas are present in their mass.