The effects of simple heat treatments on electrodeposited zinc coatings formed on
mild steel substrates were examined. It was found that over a temperature range of
50-200°C for 1 and 24 h periods zinc whisker growth was evident. The additional
effects of electrodeposited coating thickness and subsequent chromium-based
passivation processes were also examined in terms of their effect on whisker growth.
Individual whisker morphologies were investigated utilising a field emission gun
scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM) and focused ion beam field emission gun
scanning electron microscopy (FIB-FEGSEM)
