Electropolishing of Zinalco and characterisation of resulting surface

The present paper studies electropolishing conditions on a Zn-221-2Cu, mult iphase alloy called Zinalco. The aim of this work is to obtain reproducible surfaces free of mechanical damage to be used in subsequent corrosion and thin film growing studies. Polarisation curves show that temperature and cu rrent density are the most relevant parameters in order to obtain good qual ity polished surfaces. The specimen morphology was observed by scanning ele ctron microscopy: shelving regions with different contrasts and with no pit s. nor preferentially etched zones. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy re veals differences in chemical composition associated with regions of differ ent contrast. The surface chemical composition was obtained using X-ray pho toelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. Results indicate a surface formed by Zn and Al oxides with Al enrichment. Finally, surface pr ofile measurements were carried out in order to evaluate the electropolishi ng conditions.