Electrochemical and surface characterization of mild steel with corrosion resistant zirconia network fabricated by aqueous sol-gel technique

Abstract

Zirconia (ZrO2) coating was developed on mild steel surface through an aqueous sol-gel route followed by heat treatment. The coating quality was optimized by varying dipping time, curing time, and drying temperature. ZrO2 coating was competent to prevent a substantial corrosion loss in 0.5 ​M–2 ​M hydrochloric acid with more than 90% efficiency. The morphology of coated surface has revealed the formation of a fine ZrO2 network on the metal surface at optimum conditions. This network is found to be effective to control steel deterioration in hydrochloric acid and the same appeared to be either cracked or irregular for less efficient formulations.