To improve understanding of Zn-rich coatings for use in Army Vehicles, such coatings are being examined in this laboratory by the suite of testing techniques that were utilized in our recent development of Mg-rich coatings for the Cr-free protection of Al alloys. These testing techniques are being used in conjunction with a modeling and characterization effort focused on improved understanding of the effects of the metal pigment volume concentration (PVC), particle shape and aspect ratio, particle size and size distribution, as well as particle orientation on coating performance.  The use of ionic liquids for electrochemical measurements on such films and the use of conductivity AFM will also be presented. Results will be presented on the testing of Zn-rich coatings over steel in various types of cyclic accelerated test protocols.