Influence of the Anodization Process on Zamak 5 Corrosion Resistance

Abstract

Squeeze casting is the most industrially advantageous process for producing zamak 5 parts. However, this process generates porosity defects in parts, compromising their corrosion resistance. Therefore, this work aims to minimize defects and improve zamak 5 corrosive performance through the anodizing process. For this purpose, zamak 5 was anodized in 300 mol.m^-3 oxalic acid and analyzed by ATR-FTIR, SEM, wettability and EIS techniques. The anodizing process promoted the formation of oxalate and oxide layers of Zn and Al, thereby reducing porosity defects. Although the anodized layer has fragile behavior, being porous and permeable, the immersion time of anodized zamak 5 in NaCl forms corrosion products in the alloy that exhibit better protection.

Keywords:
Zinc alloys; Zamak; Anodizing; Oxalic acid