Surface composition and depth profile analysis of sulphate and chloride-based trivalent chromium electrodeposits using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

This study investigated the colour and corrosion resistance of a commercial sulphate-based versus a chloride-based trivalent chromium electrodeposit, as well as the effects of post-treatment in a hexavalent chromium passivate solution. Surface composition and depth profiles were analysed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The factors influencing the appearance and corrosion performance in a Russian Mud Test are discussed.