Abstract
A novel technique for producing anodic coatings on galvanized steels was developed in this study. Several coloured coatings, with thickness varying from 20 to 50 μm, were produced by adding a specific transition metal salt to the basic electrolyte of silicate. The anodic coating was composed mainly of silicon, zinc, sodium and oxygen, doped with transition metal ions. Results from electron probe microanalysis and X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the island-like structure is silicon-enriched and that a fused glass structure is a major part of the anodic coating. The colour imparted to the anodic coating depended on the specific metal incorporated during its formation. The coating significantly increased the corrosion resistance of galvanized steels.