The Effect of Surface Treatment of Leaf Spring on Its Corrosion Resistance

The Effect of Surface Treatment of Leaf Spring on Its Corrosion Resistance

I. Introduction

As an important component of the vehicle suspension system, the corrosion resistance of leaf spring is directly related to the service life and safety of the vehicle. The surface treatment of leaf spring is one of the important means to improve its corrosion resistance. This article will explore the effect of surface treatment of leaf spring on its corrosion resistance.

II. Corrosion Mechanism of Leaf Spring

1. Chemical Corrosion
   Leaf spring reacts chemically with oxygen, water, and other substances in the air to form corrosion products such as oxides and hydroxides, which leads to corrosion of leaf spring.

2. Electrochemical Corrosion
   Leaf spring in a humid environment, due to the potential difference on the metal surface, forms a primary battery, and electrochemical corrosion occurs. The anode metal loses electrons and is oxidized, and the cathode metal gains electrons and is reduced, which leads to corrosion of the leaf spring.

III. Surface Treatment Method of Leaf Spring

1. Galvanizing
   Galvanizing is a common surface treatment method for leaf springs. The leaf spring is immersed in molten zinc liquid to form a zinc layer on the surface of the leaf spring. The zinc layer can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of the leaf spring.

2. Plastic Spraying
   Plastic spraying is to apply plastic powder to the surface of the leaf spring by electrostatic spraying to form a layer of plastic coating. The plastic coating can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of the leaf spring. At the same time, the plastic coating can also beautify the leaf spring.

3. Blackening
   Blackening is to immerse the leaf spring in an alkaline solution to form a black oxide film on the surface of the leaf spring. The oxide film can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of the leaf spring. At the same time, the oxide film can also improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of the leaf spring.

4. Phosphating
   Phosphating is to immerse the leaf spring in a phosphating solution to form a phosphating film on the surface of the leaf spring. The phosphating film can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of the leaf spring. At the same time, the phosphating film can also improve the surface adhesion of the leaf spring, providing a good foundation for subsequent surface treatment.

IV. The Effect of Leaf Spring Surface Treatment on Its Corrosion Resistance

1. Galvanizing
   Galvanizing can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of leaf springs. The zinc layer can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of the leaf spring. At the same time, the zinc layer can also act as a sacrificial anode. When the zinc layer on the surface of the leaf spring is corroded, the zinc layer will be corroded first, thereby protecting the base metal of the leaf spring.

2. Plastic Spraying
   Plastic spraying can improve the corrosion resistance of the leaf spring. The plastic coating can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of the leaf spring. At the same time, the plastic coating can also beautify the leaf spring. However, the corrosion resistance of the plastic coating depends on the type and quality of the plastic. If the quality of the plastic coating is not good, it is easy to crack, peel off, and other problems, thereby affecting the corrosion resistance of the leaf spring.

3. Blackening
   Blackening can improve the corrosion resistance of the leaf spring. The oxide film can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of the leaf spring. At the same time, the oxide film can also improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of the leaf spring. However, the corrosion resistance of the oxide film is relatively weak and is easily affected by external factors such as acid, alkali, salt, etc.

4. Phosphating
   Phosphating can improve the corrosion resistance of the leaf spring. The phosphate film can isolate air and water, thereby preventing the corrosion of leaf springs. At the same time, the phosphate film can also improve the surface adhesion of leaf springs, providing a good foundation for subsequent surface treatment. However, the corrosion resistance of the phosphate film is relatively weak, and subsequent surface treatment, such as galvanizing and plastic spraying, is required to improve the corrosion resistance of leaf springs.

V. Conclusion

Surface treatment of leaf springs is one of the important means to improve their corrosion resistance. Different surface treatment methods have different effects on the corrosion resistance of leaf springs. Galvanizing can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of leaf springs, plastic spraying can improve the corrosion resistance and aesthetics of leaf springs, blackening can improve the corrosion resistance and surface hardness of leaf springs, and phosphating can improve the corrosion resistance and surface adhesion of leaf springs. When choosing the surface treatment method of leaf springs, the appropriate surface treatment method should be selected according to the use environment and requirements of the leaf springs to improve the corrosion resistance and service life of the leaf springs.