This study systematically explores the influence of wind erosion on the corrosion behavior of nanoparticle-reinforced Zn-Al alloy coatings in saline environments.

Abstract

This study examines the effect of wind erosion on the corrosion behavior of nanoparticle-reinforced Zn–Al alloy coatings in saline environments, with a focus on characterizing microstructural variations and corrosion resistance properties both prior to and following erosion exposure. Results reveal that coatings reinforced with TiC or ZnO nanoparticles exhibited reduced damage after wind erosion. For ZnO-reinforced coatings specifically, wind erosion induced partial degradation of surface integrity, facilitating accelerated penetration of corrosive media toward the substrate. This phenomenon was evidenced by impedance spectra displaying characteristics consistent with the third-stage corrosion typically observed in intact coatings immersed in 5% NaCl solution. Despite such degradation, the coating retained effective protective capacity for the substrate, with only a marginal reduction in service life.