rus
Issue #3-4/2019
D.V.Davydova, N.V.Tarasova, I.A.Djyakov, Yu.V.Litovka
Modification of galvanic coating "tin-bismuth" by carbon nanotubes to improve the corrosive resistance
Modification of galvanic coating "tin-bismuth" by carbon nanotubes to improve the corrosive resistance
The article presents research results of the effect of carbon nanotubes (trade mark "Taunit") on corrosion characteristics of electroplating coating with a tin-bismuth alloy (Sn–Bi) in 0,1 mol Na2SO4 solution. It was shown that additives reduce the corrosion potential down to 54%.
Теги: carbon nanotubes corrosion potential corrosive resistance galvanic coating гальванические покрытия коррозионная стойкость потенциал коррозии углеродные нанотрубки
NTRODUCTION
Tin coating on copper is anodic (or protective), as the standard electro-chemical potential of tin is lower than of copper. It means that in the corrosion-active medium first of all tin is destructed and only after the complete dissolution of tin in a certain location copper will be damaged. Tin is sufficiently resistant to corrosion metal, that is why application of a tin coating significantly increases the term of use of the electroplated copper produce. For the increase of corrosion resistance Sn-coatings are deposited from electrolytes with brighteners and doped with bismuth (i.e. tin-bismuth alloy is deposited).
As it is known, inhibitors – substances which decrease the speed of at least one of the processes occurring on the surface of a metal are widely used for the protection from corrosion. Small additions of an inhibitor modify the structure of the coating augmenting in this way mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties of the alloy [1]. Currently carbon nanomaterials have been actively employed as inhibitors of corrosion. Good results for zink [2–3] and nickel [6–1] coating have been obtained using carbon nanotubes (CNT). The used during the process nanomaterial, registered under the trademark "Taunit", constitutes fullerene-like carbon nanotubes – long hollow fibers consisting of graphene layers (in the quantity not more than 30), diameters from 10 to 60 nm and 1–2 µm in length. Considering the amount of structurized carbon in them not less than 95% [11]. "Taunit" is produced at LLC "NanoTechCentre", Tambov.
The aim of the work was the study of the influence of the inhibiting additive of CNT "Taunit" in the composition of the electrolyte for the creation of tin coatings on corrosion resistance of the coating "tin-bismuth".
METHODS OF THE EXPERIMENT AND RESULTS
There was a series of experiments for producing of electroplating coating with a Sn-Bi alloy from the electrolyte consisting of the following: stannic sulfate SnSO4 (Tech. stand. 6-09–1502-72) – 35 g/l; bismuth sulfate Bi2(SO4)3 – 1,5 g/l; sulfuric acid H2SO4 (State Stand. 667-77) – 180 g/l; formalin 40% CH2O (State Stand. 1625-75) – 6 ml/l; the additive brightener "Ecomet – L6" – 45 ml/l.
The process of application of the Sn–Bi alloy was conducted in the static electrolytic cells. The samples being coated – copper parts (the alloy M3) with surface area 22 mm2 were placed on the plating rack. Mixing of the electrolyte was performed using walking beams. Anodes were made of tin and placed in the polypropylene fabric cases.
The mode of deposition: the cathode current density was 1–3 A/dm2; the temperature of the electrolyte 18–25 °C. In the absence of the current anodes were withdrawn from the bath.
After preparing of the electrolyte, carbon nanotubes "Taunit" were introduced in the form of powder. Individual nanotubes tend to form agglomerates. The tasks of breaking up the agglomerates into separate nanotubes and even distribution of them in the electrolyte volume were being addressed. Both tasks were being solved by the method of ultrasonic treatment of the electrolyte. The problem of the following deagglomeration was being dealt with by adding into the electrolyte of a surface active agent (SAA).
For the even distribution and minimization of agglomerates of the nanomaterial the ultrasonic disperser IL 100-6/4 with the frequency of 22 kHz and the sound intensity of 786 W/cm2 was being used. Dispersion was being performed for five minutes.
For carrying out of the comparative analysis Sn-Bi coatings were deposited from electrolytes without adding nanotubes and with the CNT "Taunit" additives the diversity of concentrations being between 50 and 1600 mg/l.
During the process of electrodeposition carbon nanotubes driven by the kinetic energy of Sn2+ cations, fit in the metallic matrix in the course of the reductive cathode reaction Sn2+ + 2e → Sn. Concentration of nanotubes in the electrolyte lowered during the exploitation. Maintenance of the CNT "Taunit" concentration within the set limits was one of the most important procedures for the process of the nanomodified coating application. In the study [12] the optical method of measurement of the CNT "Taunit" concentration in electrolytes, based on absorption, diffusion and reflection of the luminous flux by polycrystalline graphite is disclosed by the authors, and its realization is grounded on the measurement of the optical density and liquid solutions transmittance ratio and also on the measurement of the substance concentration according to the previously obtained empirical model.
THE STUDY OF THE OPTICAL DENSITY OF THE ELECTROLYTE
The assessment of measurements of the optical density was performed according to the State Standards (GOST) 15150-69 by the photoelectric photometer "KFK-3" [13].
Various samples of electrolytes were used, both freshly prepared and having been in the test-tubes for a month after preparation and use, and also the distilled water as the reference sample. A pure, unused electrolyte is necessary for the construction of the function of the optical density and determining the wave operating length. The used electrolyte is necessary for determining the accuracy of measurements, connected with the pollution of the electrolyte by oxides, silts of the parts, residual because of the electrolyte components crystallization. The electrolytes being used with different concentrations of the CNT "Taunit" are required for determining concentration of the CNT as the function of the optical density.
The optical densities of the pure electrolyte were within the range of the length of the emission absorption waves from 350 till 800 nm with the spacing of 50 nm at the solution temperature of 20 °C. After the obtained data the graph of the electrolyte optical density against the length of the emission wave was drawn (see Fig.1).
For determining the operational length of the wave it was necessary to find the segment of the curve, where at least one of the conditions would be true: optical density (E) has the maximum value; the curve is parallel to the horizontal axis, i.e. optical density is loosely dependant on the wave length λ [14].
The graph shows that for the studied range λ maximum value of the optical density is observed at λ = 350 nm. After determining the operating length of the wave multiple measurements for different samples of electrolytes were carried out.
The optical density Е and transmittance coefficient Р at the change of concentration (СCNT) of the nanocarbon "Taunit" in electrolytes was measured.
After the selection of stable values the graph was constructed (see Fig.2). According to the obtained data the dependence of the optical density on the concentration of CCN (СCNT), having the greatest value of the accuracy approximation (R²).
As the best values for the corrosion resistance for other coatings [2] were obtained at the lowest concentrations of CNT "Taunit", then for the convenience of use, dependence of the optical density of the electrolyte on the concentration of the CNT is given in the range from 0 to 70 mg/l.
For the convenience of work the table data were approximated by the equation:
СCNT = 63,7 Е – 47,44 (1)
when R² = 0,9763.
For the correction of the concentration of the CNT the sample of the electrolyte was taken and the value of optical density Е was measured by the photometer KFK-3. Then after the approximating equation (1) the value СCNT was calculated. If the concentration of nanotubes became lower than the determined threshold value the required quantity of the nanomaterial was added [15].
THE STUDY OF THE CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF THE ALLOY
The study of the corrosion behavior of the alloy Sn-Bi, was conducted in the solution 0,1 mol Na2SO4 on the apparatus "Electrochemical workstation Zive SP2" (WonaTech, South Korea) at the speed of the time base 1 mV/s.
RESULTS AND THEIR DISCUSSION
Table 1 shows the results of the study of the time dependence of the potential of the free corrosion of the alloy Sn-Bi with the additive CNT "Taunit" in the solution of 0,1 Mol Na2SO4, which were being registered for 300 seconds.
The studies revealed that the additive CNT "Taunit" within the range of 50–1600 mg/l contributes to the shift of potential φ (V) of corrosion into the positive area (table 1), which characterizes the dynamics of the protective oxide film formation.
The analysis of the polarization curves (see Fig.3) showed, that the density of the corrosion current i of the Sn-Bi coating, obtained in the presence of 50 mg/l of the CNT "Taunit", in comparison with the analogous coating received without the addition of the nanotubes decreases by 99%.
The rate of corrosion was assessed by the intersection point of the anode and cathode polarization curves. It is seen that the intersection of the curves corresponds to the lesser corrosion current I. The reason of the cathode inhibition reaction is difficult to account for, but according to the initial estimate it is determined by the change of the coating structure.
Table 2 gives the corrosive – electrochemical properties of the Sn-Bi alloy with the additive of the CNT "Taunit" in the solution of Na2SO4 with 0,1 mol concentration. The additives of the CNT "Taunit" improve the corrosion potential of the original alloy by 28–54%. The best result was observed at the introduction of 50 mg/l of the CNT "Taunit" additive.
CONCLUSIONS
It was registered that carbon nanotubes "Taunit" in the content of the "tin-bismuth" deposition alloy electrolyte on copper demonstrate the inhibiting effect, thus expanding the area of the passive state of copper, which leads to increase in the corrosion resistance effect of the coatings.
The obtained results revealed that the corrosion current in the presence of CNT in comparison with the coating obtained without the CNT additive drops by 99%, and the potential of the corrosion shifts into the positive area. At the concentration of 50 mg/l of the CNT "Taunit" in the electrolyte maximum values of corrosion resistance are achieved. ■
Tin coating on copper is anodic (or protective), as the standard electro-chemical potential of tin is lower than of copper. It means that in the corrosion-active medium first of all tin is destructed and only after the complete dissolution of tin in a certain location copper will be damaged. Tin is sufficiently resistant to corrosion metal, that is why application of a tin coating significantly increases the term of use of the electroplated copper produce. For the increase of corrosion resistance Sn-coatings are deposited from electrolytes with brighteners and doped with bismuth (i.e. tin-bismuth alloy is deposited).
As it is known, inhibitors – substances which decrease the speed of at least one of the processes occurring on the surface of a metal are widely used for the protection from corrosion. Small additions of an inhibitor modify the structure of the coating augmenting in this way mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties of the alloy [1]. Currently carbon nanomaterials have been actively employed as inhibitors of corrosion. Good results for zink [2–3] and nickel [6–1] coating have been obtained using carbon nanotubes (CNT). The used during the process nanomaterial, registered under the trademark "Taunit", constitutes fullerene-like carbon nanotubes – long hollow fibers consisting of graphene layers (in the quantity not more than 30), diameters from 10 to 60 nm and 1–2 µm in length. Considering the amount of structurized carbon in them not less than 95% [11]. "Taunit" is produced at LLC "NanoTechCentre", Tambov.
The aim of the work was the study of the influence of the inhibiting additive of CNT "Taunit" in the composition of the electrolyte for the creation of tin coatings on corrosion resistance of the coating "tin-bismuth".
METHODS OF THE EXPERIMENT AND RESULTS
There was a series of experiments for producing of electroplating coating with a Sn-Bi alloy from the electrolyte consisting of the following: stannic sulfate SnSO4 (Tech. stand. 6-09–1502-72) – 35 g/l; bismuth sulfate Bi2(SO4)3 – 1,5 g/l; sulfuric acid H2SO4 (State Stand. 667-77) – 180 g/l; formalin 40% CH2O (State Stand. 1625-75) – 6 ml/l; the additive brightener "Ecomet – L6" – 45 ml/l.
The process of application of the Sn–Bi alloy was conducted in the static electrolytic cells. The samples being coated – copper parts (the alloy M3) with surface area 22 mm2 were placed on the plating rack. Mixing of the electrolyte was performed using walking beams. Anodes were made of tin and placed in the polypropylene fabric cases.
The mode of deposition: the cathode current density was 1–3 A/dm2; the temperature of the electrolyte 18–25 °C. In the absence of the current anodes were withdrawn from the bath.
After preparing of the electrolyte, carbon nanotubes "Taunit" were introduced in the form of powder. Individual nanotubes tend to form agglomerates. The tasks of breaking up the agglomerates into separate nanotubes and even distribution of them in the electrolyte volume were being addressed. Both tasks were being solved by the method of ultrasonic treatment of the electrolyte. The problem of the following deagglomeration was being dealt with by adding into the electrolyte of a surface active agent (SAA).
For the even distribution and minimization of agglomerates of the nanomaterial the ultrasonic disperser IL 100-6/4 with the frequency of 22 kHz and the sound intensity of 786 W/cm2 was being used. Dispersion was being performed for five minutes.
For carrying out of the comparative analysis Sn-Bi coatings were deposited from electrolytes without adding nanotubes and with the CNT "Taunit" additives the diversity of concentrations being between 50 and 1600 mg/l.
During the process of electrodeposition carbon nanotubes driven by the kinetic energy of Sn2+ cations, fit in the metallic matrix in the course of the reductive cathode reaction Sn2+ + 2e → Sn. Concentration of nanotubes in the electrolyte lowered during the exploitation. Maintenance of the CNT "Taunit" concentration within the set limits was one of the most important procedures for the process of the nanomodified coating application. In the study [12] the optical method of measurement of the CNT "Taunit" concentration in electrolytes, based on absorption, diffusion and reflection of the luminous flux by polycrystalline graphite is disclosed by the authors, and its realization is grounded on the measurement of the optical density and liquid solutions transmittance ratio and also on the measurement of the substance concentration according to the previously obtained empirical model.
THE STUDY OF THE OPTICAL DENSITY OF THE ELECTROLYTE
The assessment of measurements of the optical density was performed according to the State Standards (GOST) 15150-69 by the photoelectric photometer "KFK-3" [13].
Various samples of electrolytes were used, both freshly prepared and having been in the test-tubes for a month after preparation and use, and also the distilled water as the reference sample. A pure, unused electrolyte is necessary for the construction of the function of the optical density and determining the wave operating length. The used electrolyte is necessary for determining the accuracy of measurements, connected with the pollution of the electrolyte by oxides, silts of the parts, residual because of the electrolyte components crystallization. The electrolytes being used with different concentrations of the CNT "Taunit" are required for determining concentration of the CNT as the function of the optical density.
The optical densities of the pure electrolyte were within the range of the length of the emission absorption waves from 350 till 800 nm with the spacing of 50 nm at the solution temperature of 20 °C. After the obtained data the graph of the electrolyte optical density against the length of the emission wave was drawn (see Fig.1).
For determining the operational length of the wave it was necessary to find the segment of the curve, where at least one of the conditions would be true: optical density (E) has the maximum value; the curve is parallel to the horizontal axis, i.e. optical density is loosely dependant on the wave length λ [14].
The graph shows that for the studied range λ maximum value of the optical density is observed at λ = 350 nm. After determining the operating length of the wave multiple measurements for different samples of electrolytes were carried out.
The optical density Е and transmittance coefficient Р at the change of concentration (СCNT) of the nanocarbon "Taunit" in electrolytes was measured.
After the selection of stable values the graph was constructed (see Fig.2). According to the obtained data the dependence of the optical density on the concentration of CCN (СCNT), having the greatest value of the accuracy approximation (R²).
As the best values for the corrosion resistance for other coatings [2] were obtained at the lowest concentrations of CNT "Taunit", then for the convenience of use, dependence of the optical density of the electrolyte on the concentration of the CNT is given in the range from 0 to 70 mg/l.
For the convenience of work the table data were approximated by the equation:
СCNT = 63,7 Е – 47,44 (1)
when R² = 0,9763.
For the correction of the concentration of the CNT the sample of the electrolyte was taken and the value of optical density Е was measured by the photometer KFK-3. Then after the approximating equation (1) the value СCNT was calculated. If the concentration of nanotubes became lower than the determined threshold value the required quantity of the nanomaterial was added [15].
THE STUDY OF THE CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF THE ALLOY
The study of the corrosion behavior of the alloy Sn-Bi, was conducted in the solution 0,1 mol Na2SO4 on the apparatus "Electrochemical workstation Zive SP2" (WonaTech, South Korea) at the speed of the time base 1 mV/s.
RESULTS AND THEIR DISCUSSION
Table 1 shows the results of the study of the time dependence of the potential of the free corrosion of the alloy Sn-Bi with the additive CNT "Taunit" in the solution of 0,1 Mol Na2SO4, which were being registered for 300 seconds.
The studies revealed that the additive CNT "Taunit" within the range of 50–1600 mg/l contributes to the shift of potential φ (V) of corrosion into the positive area (table 1), which characterizes the dynamics of the protective oxide film formation.
The analysis of the polarization curves (see Fig.3) showed, that the density of the corrosion current i of the Sn-Bi coating, obtained in the presence of 50 mg/l of the CNT "Taunit", in comparison with the analogous coating received without the addition of the nanotubes decreases by 99%.
The rate of corrosion was assessed by the intersection point of the anode and cathode polarization curves. It is seen that the intersection of the curves corresponds to the lesser corrosion current I. The reason of the cathode inhibition reaction is difficult to account for, but according to the initial estimate it is determined by the change of the coating structure.
Table 2 gives the corrosive – electrochemical properties of the Sn-Bi alloy with the additive of the CNT "Taunit" in the solution of Na2SO4 with 0,1 mol concentration. The additives of the CNT "Taunit" improve the corrosion potential of the original alloy by 28–54%. The best result was observed at the introduction of 50 mg/l of the CNT "Taunit" additive.
CONCLUSIONS
It was registered that carbon nanotubes "Taunit" in the content of the "tin-bismuth" deposition alloy electrolyte on copper demonstrate the inhibiting effect, thus expanding the area of the passive state of copper, which leads to increase in the corrosion resistance effect of the coatings.
The obtained results revealed that the corrosion current in the presence of CNT in comparison with the coating obtained without the CNT additive drops by 99%, and the potential of the corrosion shifts into the positive area. At the concentration of 50 mg/l of the CNT "Taunit" in the electrolyte maximum values of corrosion resistance are achieved. ■
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