Electrochemical coloration of stainless steel as an alternative for architectural coatings

Abstract

The characterization of architectural coatings grown on the surface of AISI 304 stainless steel by an electrochemical coloration process was realized by multiple techniques. The interference colored coatings were grown in a sulphochromic solution at room temperature by an alternating pulse current method. The morphology and chemical state of the elements in the films were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES), and infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR). Depth-sensing indentation (DSI) experiments and wear abrasion tests were employed to assess the mechanical resistance of the films. The coloration process resulted in porous thin films which increased the surface roughness of the substrate. The interference films mainly consisted of hydrated chromium oxide containing iron. Increasing film thickness produced different colors and affected the mechanical properties of the coating-substrate. ARTICLE TH 38Electrochemical coloration of stainless steel as an alternative for architectural coatings

Effects of NiSO4 Concentration on the Coloring Performance and Corrosion Resistance of the Colored Film on 304 Stainless Steel

“…At present, there are five kinds of coloring methods on stainless steel, which include the organic coating method, vapor deposition method, enamel method, ion deposition nitride or oxide, and stainless steel surface oxidation method [9][10][11]. Among the many coloring methods, the surface oxidation method is the most widely application used because of its simple process and low cost, with the INCO method as the most typical way [12,13].…”