Barrel zinc electrodeposition from alkaline solution

This paper discusses the influence of electrochemical parameters on the con centration-time relationship in an electrolytic zinc deposition reactor usi ng a three-dimensional electrode. The dynamic behaviour of a zinc plating u nit is obtained from the fundamental material balance. Two stages are consi dered: (i) the batch electrolytic reactor, and (ii) the electrolyser surrou nded by rinses (i.e., contribution of drag-out). This theoretical approach shows that good control of the operating parameters helps stabilise the zin c electrolyte and, therefore, the properties of the zinc deposits. The aim of the experiments is to investigate, in a statistically designed test prog ram, the effects of the composition of the alkaline zinc electrolyte on cat hode efficiency and on the morphologies/textures of the deposits.