Structure and Properties of Zn/MoS2 Composite Coatings Produced by Electrochemical Reduction

The report presents research efforts on the synthesis of Zn/MoS₂ composite coatings by electrochemical reduction from a sulphate-borate bath containing MoS₂ powder as a dispersion phase at various concentrations. The structure of the Zn/MoS₂ composite coatings was characterised and the effect of MoS₂ particles embedded on their microhardness was evaluated. The coatings produced are characterized by a compact, homogeneous structure and a good connection to a steel substrate. The incorporation of MoS₂ particles into the zinc matrix has an influence on the structure and morphology of the Zn/MoS₂ composite coatings. It was found that the presence of MoS₂ particles increases surface roughness along with coating hardness. The incorporation of the MoS₂ particles into the zinc matrix slightly improves the corrosion resistance compared to Zn coatings, making the corrosion potential shift towards more electropositive values.