Synergistic effect of chloride and bromide ions on corrosion inhibition of steel in 1mol L-1 phosphoric acid using cationic gemini surfactant

Zhen-Yu Wu, Zheng Fang, Wang Z

Abstract

Synergism between a cationic gemini surfactant, 1,2-ethane-bis(dimethyl dodecyl ammonium bromide) (12-2-12), and halide ion (Br or Cl) for corrosion inhibition of cold rolled steel in 1.0 mol L-1 phosphoric acid was investigated by using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. Some thermodynamic parameters were calculated by fitting experimental data with Langmuirmodel. Potentiodynamic polarization studies reveal that the inhibition species is a mixed-type inhibitor. EISmeasurements suggest that the presence of inhibitor molecules in acidic solution decreases double layer capacitance and increases the charge transfer resistance, indicating the formation of a protective layer on steel surface.