Electro-deposition of cerium thin film compound, elaboration and characterisation

ABSTRACT

Cerium oxide films are widely studied as a promising alternative to the toxic hexavalent Chromium Cr [VI] based pre-treatments for the corrosion protection of different metals and alloys. Cathodic electro-deposition of Cerium compound thin films was realized on Ti alloy [TA6V] substrates from a Ce [NO3]3, 6H2O in water-ethyl alcohol solutions at 0.01 M. Experimental conditions to obtain homogeneous and crack free thin films were determined. The deposited cerium quantity, as expected, is proportional to the used electric charge, following the Faraday law. Subsequent thermal treatment led to a CeO2 coating, which is expected to increase the TA6V oxidation resistance at high temperatures. The deposits were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry [DSC], optical and scanning electron microscopies