From the SEM micrographs it is clear that PVA changed the morphology of the zinc phosphate conversion coating considerably. Both size and shape of the phosphate crystals were changed after addition of PVA. It can be seen from the SEM micrographs that addition of PVA to the phosphate coating increased the population density of needle like phosphate crystals and decreased the phosphate particle size. Also, a combination of needle-like and plate-like crystals can be seen on the SEM micrographs of the PVA containing phosphate coating. It seems that PVA promoted the nucleation of the phosphate crystal formation on the steel surface.