Effect of Small Amount of Lead on the Texture and the Surface Properties of Zinc Electrodeposit

In the electrodeposited zinc from the sulphate baths containing a small amount Pb²⁺ ions, the effect of Pb²⁺ on the texture, the morphology, the lightness, the gloss, the surface roughness, the friction factor and the black tarnish resistance of zinc deposits were investigated. The results show that with an increase in Pb²⁺ content in the baths, the surface roughness of the deposit was generally increased, but the lightness the gloss, the friction factor and the black tarnish resistance were generally decreased. It is primarily caused by a significant change in crystal orientation of deposited Zn, due to Pb²⁺ ions added in the baths.