Enhancement of Surface and Interface Properties of Low Carbon Steel by Hybrid ZnO and NiO Nanoparticles Reinforced Tin Coating

Tin matrix nanocomposite coatings containing ZnO and NiO nanoparticles, both individually and combined, were deposited on low carbon steel substrates. The aim was to investigate the effect of reinforcement of nanoparticles on microstructural morphology and thickness of tin coatings, modification in the interfacial layer between coating and substrate, and the corrosion resistance of low carbon steel substrate. Optical and scanning electron microscopy were employed for microstructural observation, while potentiostat-galvanostat was utilized for electrochemical investigation. It was found that the tin nanocomposite coatings with nanoparticles significantly modified the coating thickness, intermetallic layer thickness, and surface corrosion resistance. Coatings through the direct tinning process are considered to be a simple and low-cost route for protecting metallic materials from corrosion, and the presence of ZnO and NiO nanoparticles in tin coatings further increases the corrosion resistance of low carbon steels.