Comparison of galvanized coatings with additive ZrO2 prepared by sol-gel method

İn this study, pure and polymer-added ZrO2 solutions at various levels were prepared by sol-gel method. Surface of samples were cleaned first sand paper and then with pure water and acetone. Later, organometal solutions with ZrO2 prepared by sol-gel method at different molar ratios were coated with 1, 3 and 5 layers by dipping method over the substrates. The hybrid ZrO2 thin films coated on the substrates were heated at a speed of 5 oC/ minute to 300 oC; On the other hand, hybrid ZrO2 thin films with polymer additives were heated for 15 minutes in an oven heated to 85 oC. After heat treatment, the corrosion resistance of thin films in 3.5% NaCl environment was measured by Tafel Extra Polarization (TP) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) methods. Morphological changes on the surface of the coated samples were examined by Polarized Light Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD). In addition, hardness measurements were made in the prepared coatings. The findings obtained as a result of the applied solutions and additives at different molarities showed that the coated samples we prepared in NaCl environment provided a better protection compared to galvanized coating. As a result of TP measurement, it was observed that ZrO2-3 and ZrO2-4 coated samples provided better corrosion resistance. The density increase in the solution and the layer increase in the coating provided corrosion resistance in direct proportion as a result of EIS measurement. When all the coatings were examined, it was determined that the samples coated with Zr02 + polymer-added solutions 3 and 4 provided the best corrosion resistance.