Processes of Blister Formation in Electrodeposited Coatings on Steel

A research program in progress to examine the processes of blister formation in electrodeposited coatings on steel is described. The objective is to develop methods to design and control the surface of steel sheet to increase the reliability and performance of electrogalvanized steel products. Adhesion at the electro-deposit/steel interface is essential for the performance of protective coatings, and adhesion is controlled by the chemistry, structure, and morphology of the interface. A combination of multiple experimental techniques and analytical models is being used to better understand the mechanisms of adhesion loss, the role of hydrogen, and the role of surface composition.