Abstract
A phytic acid based conversion coating has been designed for Zn–Co alloys. The morphology of this coating was studied by SEM and showed that immersion of coatings for 15 min is smooth and compact. The composition of conversion coatings was analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analysis data showed that the coating is composed of Zn, C, P, N and O. The presence of Co in the coating was not established. Corrosion protection provided by this coating was evaluated by electrochemical measurements (polarisation curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) in a 0·5M NaCl solution. Electrochemical corrosion measurement showed that the corrosion resistance of the Zn–Co alloy has been improved by the conversion treatment with phytic acid.