The Morphology of Corrosion Pits in Decorative Nickel + Chromium Coatings

Summary

This investigation involved the use of the scanning electron microscope to observe the morphology of corrosion pits occurring in decorative nickel+chromium coatings subjected to outdoor exposure and CASS testing. The technique is particularly useful in providing additional information which, in most instances, supports the theories put forward previously to account for the mode of failure. The coatings studied include combinations of microcracked or microporous chromium with bright and duplex nickel, both with and without copper undercoats. Both steel and zinc alloy diecast substrates were used.