Nitrogen zinc oxide films

Over large periods of time, the conductivity of oxide film grows linearly with time during chemisorbtion of atoms of oxygen and nitrogen at ultra low concentrations on the zinc oxide film over wide time interval at moderate and elevated temperatures, i. e. the following simple kinetic equation is valid ... 

Our comments on adsorption of oxygen and nitrogen atoms lead to conclusion that practically under all conditions the initial rate of variation of conductivity of zinc oxide film due to adsorption of acceptor particles discussed in this section is proportional to the concentration of particles in the space adjacent to the surface of oxide film. This is similar to the case of donor particles. This means that the following equation is applicable ... 

Sulfur oxides and other corrosive species are brought to react with the zinc surface in two ways dry deposition and wet deposition. Sulfur dioxide has been observed to deposit on a dry surface of galvanized steel panels until a monolayer of SO2 formed (Maato, 1982). In either case, the sulfur dioxide that deposits on the surface of the zinc forms sulfurous or other strong acids, which react with the film of zinc oxide, hydroxide, or basic carbonate to form zinc sulfate. The conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur-based acids may be catalyzed by nitrogen compounds in the air—usually referred to collectively as NQt compounds—and it is believed that this factor may affect corrosion rates in practice. The acids partially destroy the Film of corrosion products, which will then re-form from the underlying metal, so causing continuous corrosion by an amount equivalent to the film dissolved, hence to the amount of sulfur dioxide absorbed. Above about 85% RH, corrosion rates increase further—probably as a result of the formation of basic zinc sulfates. 

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