Research

Surface properties of materials are governed by the microstructure and composition of the surface layer. The surface microstructure is essential for understanding how the surface layer functions and how it is formed in a well-controlled manner. We have developed an effective technique to prepare cross-sectional specimen for transmission electron microscope characterization. Together with chemical/electrochemical characterization, we have gained better understanding about the formation of several surface coating processes employed for enhancing the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys and electrogalvanized steels, such as the rare-earth, phosphate/permanganate, stannate conversion coatings on magnesium, and the trivalent chromium passive layer on electrogalvanized steels. Bear these coatings architectures, we are developing environmentally-friendly surface treatments for magnesium alloys, and hot-dipped and electrogalvanized steels. Electrodeposition of Ni-based coatings, such as NiCo, NiFe, NiP, CoP, and NiW coatings, is also studied with emphasis on how the plating parameters affect the microstructure and internal stress of the deposits.

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