Parametric Study of Coatings Deposited by Mechanical Plating on Advanced Fasteners

Mechanical plating is commonly used to coat high strength steel fasteners because the process does not induce hydrogen embrittlement. Recent findings show that heat treatment after the coating process is beneficial to the corrosion resistance of the coatings. This thesis investigates the effects of low-temperature and short-duration post-mechanical plating heat treatment on the microstructure evolution and corrosion resistance of mechanically plated zinc and zinc-tin coatings on steel fasteners. Understanding the influence of post-heat treatment on the evolution of the coatings' microstructure and corrosion resistance is essential to improve the durability of coated fasteners and ensure the sustainability of infrastructure.