Case 953 ยท Public preview
A Nanometer-Scale Organic Film Can Defeat an Otherwise Intact Zinc Coating
Zinc plating flaked from carbon-steel chassis material after a time-dependent adhesion failure.
SEM at multiple accelerating voltagesEDSFracture-surface examinationLoose-flake comparisonInterface morphology review
What the evidence preview establishes
A thin hydrocarbon film remaining on the prepared steel before plating prevented sound adhesion and caused separation within or near the iron-zinc reaction layer.
Why this case matters
Surface-sensitive analytical conditions matter. A contaminated interface may appear clean at higher beam voltage, so compare accelerating voltages and use incoming tape, bend, or metallographic tests to screen plated stock.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.