Effect of Zro2 particles on oxidation and electrical behavior of Co coatings electroplated on ferritic stainless steel interconnect

•Co/ZrO2 composite coating was deposited on Crofer22APU by electroplating.•The formed Cr2O3 scale on the Co/ZrO2 coated sample had the thinnest thickness.•The Co/ZrO2 coating decreased oxidation rate of the steel.•Minimum ASR value was measured for Co/ZrO2 composite coating. The application of protective coatings has been proposed to overcome the difficulties in utilizing ferritic stainless steels as interconnects. Co and Co/ZrO2 coatings are electroplated onto Crofer22APU, and their oxidation and electrical behavior are evaluated in this paper. Cyclic oxidation is done in laboratory air at 800 °C for 500 h, oxidation rates and oxide layer microstructures are examined. SEM–EDS and XRD investigations exhibit the thicknesses of Cr2O3 scale, and oxidation rates are decreased for Co/ZrO2 coated steels relative to Co-coated and uncoated steels. The ASR value of the Co/ZrO2 coated steel is 14.5 mΩ cm2 after cyclic oxidation at 800 °C.