The effect of cysteine on the corrosion of 304L stainless steel in sulphuric acid

The effect of cysteine on the corrosion of 304L stainless steel in 1 mol l⁻¹ H₂SO₄ was studied using open-circuit potential measurements, anodic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the electrochemical measurements obtained in the presence of low cysteine concentration (10⁻⁶-10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹) presented the same behaviour as those obtained in the absence of cysteine, a passivated steel surface. However, for higher cysteine concentrations (10⁻⁴-10⁻² mol l⁻¹), a different behaviour was observed: the corrosion potential stabilized at a more negative value; an active region was observed in the anodic polarization curves and the electrochemical impedance diagrams showed an inductive loop at lower frequencies and a much lower polarization resistance. These results show that the presence of cysteine at high concentration turns the surface of 304L stainless steel electrochemically active, probably dissolving the passivation layer and promoting the stainless steel anodic dissolution. SEM experiments performed after immersion experiments at corrosion potential were in good agreement with the electrochemical results.     

1,3-Bis-diethylamino-propan-2-ol as volatile corrosion inhibitor for brass

The efficiency of 1,3-bis-diethylamino-propan-2-ol (DEAP) as volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) for brass in simulated atmospheric water was studied by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and gravimetric measurements. A significant decrease in the corrosion rate of brass was observed in the presence of DEAP. Polarization tests showed that the investigated compound was an anodic inhibitor, retarding the anodic dissolution of brass by blocking the active sites on the metal surface. The values of the charge transfer resistance, obtained from impedance plots of brass, increased with increasing inhibitor concentration and immersion time. The adsorption on the brass surface followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.     

The effects of niobium and nickel on the corrosion resistance of the zinc phosphate layers

In this investigation the viability of nickel substitution by niobium in zinc phosphate (PZn) baths has been studied. Samples of carbon steel (SAE 1010) were phosphated in two baths, one containing nickel (PZn + Ni) and the other with niobium substituting nickel (PZn + Nb). Potentiodynamic polarization curves (anodic and cathodic, separately) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the phosphated carbon steels in a 0.5 mol L^− 1 NaCl electrolyte. The phosphate layers obtained were analysed by X-ray diffraction and it was found that they are composed of Zn₃(PO₄)₂.4H₂O (hopeite) and Zn₂Fe(PO₄)₂.4H₂O (phosphophylite). Surface observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the PZn + Ni layer is deposited as needle-like crystals, whereas the PZn + Nb layer shows a granular morphology. The electrochemical results showed that the PZn + Nb coating was more effective in the corrosion protection of the carbon steel substrate than the PZn + Ni layer. The results also suggested that nickel can be replaced by niobium in zinc phosphate baths with advantageous corrosion properties of the layer formed.     

Corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in tetra-n-butylammonium bromide aqueous solution by benzotriazole and Na3PO4

The corrosion inhibition behavior of benzotriazole, Na₃PO₄ and their mixture on carbon steel in 20 wt.% (0.628 mol l⁻¹) tetra-n-butylammonium bromide aerated aqueous solution was investigated by weight-loss test, potentiodynamic polarization measurement, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray techniques. The inhibition action of BTA or SP or inhibitors mixture on the corrosion of carbon steel is mainly due to the inhibition of anodic process of corrosion. The results revealed that inhibitors mixtures have shown synergistic effects at lower concentration of inhibitors. At 2 g l⁻¹ BTA and 2 g l⁻¹ SP showed optimum enhanced inhibition compared with their individual effects.     

Study of an alternative phosphate sealer for replacement of hexavalent chromium

This study evaluates the possibility of replacing the hexavalent chromium passivation treatment used as a sealer after phosphating of carbon steel (SAE 1010) by a treatment with niobium ammonium oxalate (Ox). Samples of carbon steel (SAE 1010) after being phosphated in a zinc phosphate bath (PZn + Ni) were immersed in solution of niobium ammonium oxalate (250 mg L⁻¹ of Nb) either at pH 3.0 or pH 8.0. A passivation treatment with a solution with CrO₃ (200 mg L⁻¹ of Cr⁶⁺) was also used for reference.The corrosion resistance of the phosphated samples after passivation treatments was analyzed in a NaCl 0.5 mol L⁻¹ solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic polarization curves. Salt spray tests were also performed to evaluate their corrosion resistance. The results showed that the highest corrosion resistance was obtained by passivation in a solution with (250 mg L⁻¹ of Nb) at pH 8.0.     

Quinolin-5-ylmethylene-3-{[8-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl]thio}propanohydrazide as an effective inhibitor of mild steel corrosion in HCl solution

Quinolin-5-ylmethylene-3-{[8-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl]thio}propanohydrazide (QMQTPH) was synthesized, characterized and tested as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M and 2 M HCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Polarization resistances calculated from the EIS measurements were in good agreement with those obtained from direct current (DC) polarization measurements. The mild steel samples were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that QMQTPH is an excellent inhibitor for mild steel in acid medium. The inhibition was assumed to occur via adsorption of the inhibitor molecule on the metal surface. It acts as an anodic inhibitor. In the 30° to 60 °C temperature range, the QMQTPH adsorption follows Langmuir isotherm model. The protection efficiency increased with increasing inhibitor concentration in the range 10⁻⁵ − 10⁻³ M, but slightly decreased with increasing temperature.     

Electrochemical impedance of thin rust film of low-alloy steels

The quality of the rust film formed on the steel is a significant factor in atmospheric corrosion. In the present paper, ion-exchange membranes were adopted to simulate the anion and cation selective permeability of the rust film. The i-E curve and the electrochemical impedance of a carbon steel covered with the ion-exchange membrane were measured to discuss the effect of the ion transfer inside the rust film on the anodic dissolution. The electrochemical impedance of the rust film membrane was measured. The electrochemical impedance of the rust film membrane shows the apparent capacitive behavior. It was found that the film had huge capacitance of order 10 mF cm⁻². The resistance of the rust films of Fe-3%Ni, Fe-1%W and Fe-0.6%Mo was large value, indicating that the low ion permeability rate inside the rust film contributed to decreasing the corrosion rate of low-alloy steel.     

Tryptamine as a corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution

The inhibitor effect of tryptamine on the corrosion of mild steel in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid at 30 °C was investigated using linear polarization, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in concentration of tryptamine. At 500 ppm tryptamine the inhibition efficiency calculated by these techniques is around 97%. Cathodic and anodic polarization curves of mild steel in the presence of different concentrations of tryptamine at 30 °C reveal that it is a mixed type inhibitor. Tryptamine follows Langmuir adsorption with adsorption free energy of −35.07 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Electrochemical behaviour of Cu-40Zn in 3% NaCl solution polluted by sulphides: Effect of aminotriazole

The electrochemical behaviour of Cu-40Zn alloy, in 3% NaCl medium pure and polluted by 2 ppm of S²⁻ ions, has been studied in the absence and presence of the 3-amino-1,2,4 triazole (ATA) as corrosion inhibitor. Electrochemical measurements (polarisation curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) showed that sulphides accelerate the alloy corrosion. The studies revealed that ATA inhibits both cathodic and anodic reactions, indicating a mixed type of inhibition. The inhibiting effect was higher in presence of S²⁻ ions than in its absence. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the inhibitor acts by preventing the adsorption of S²⁻ ions, and formation of Cu₂S at the alloy surface. The inhibition efficiency reaches 98% at a concentration of 5 × 10⁻³ M.     

Corrosion resistance of TiO2 films grown on stainless steel by atomic layer deposition

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) films have been deposited onto stainless steel substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Composition analysis shows that the films shield the substrates entirely. The TiO₂ films are amorphous in structure as characterized by X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical measurements show that the equilibrium corrosion potential positively shifts from − 0.96 eV for bare stainless steel to − 0.63 eV for TiO₂ coated stainless steel, and the corrosion current density decreases from 7.0 × 10^− 7 A/cm² to 6.3 × 10^− 8 A/cm². The corrosion resistance obtained by fitting the impedance spectra also reveals that the TiO₂ films provide good protection for stainless steel against corrosion in sodium chloride solution. The above results indicate that TiO₂ films deposited by ALD are effective in protecting stainless steel from corrosion.     

High resistivity magnesium-rich layers and current instability in anodizing a Mg/Ta alloy

Strikingly different morphologies of amorphous anodic films on a Mg/40 at.%Ta alloy are shown to result from single-stage and sequential anodizing procedures. The alloy, prepared by magnetron sputtering, was anodized galvanostatically in ammonium pentaborate (pH 8.3) and sodium silicate (pH 12.6) electrolytes at 293 K and studied by transmission electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For one-step anodizing in the pentaborate electrolyte, a single-layered film, of approximate composition Ta₂O₅ · MgO, forms at a ratio of ∼1.8 nm V⁻¹. In the silicate electrolyte, an outer, magnesium-rich layer, containing silicon species, also forms, with a ratio of 0.8 nm V⁻¹. The outer layer can develop due to relatively fast migration of magnesium ions in the inner layer and the stabilization of the pH at the film surface, probably linked to generation of a silica gel that also limits loss of magnesium species to the electrolyte. Further thickening of the anodic film, in ammonium pentaborate electrolyte, produces fingers of low resistivity, inner oxide that penetrate the pre-existing, high resistivity outer layer, with a bi-modal distribution of finger sizes. When fingers reach the film surface, magnesium ions are ejected to the electrolyte. The absence of fingers in films grown in sodium silicate electrolyte is possibly due to prevention, by the silica gel, of their initiation.     

Corrosion of low carbon steel in atmospheric environments of different chloride content

This investigation aims to analyze the effect of Cl⁻ ion on the atmospheric corrosion rate of carbon steel. The metal samples were exposed to a marine atmospheric environment (95 and 375 m from the sea line) as well as an industrial atmospheric environment. The effects of Cl⁻ ions on the protective characteristics of the rust layers were assessed by IR spectroscopy, SEM-EDAX analyses, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that Cl⁻ ion influences the corrosion rate, as well as the morphology and composition of the rust layer.     

Electrochemical properties of microarc oxidation films on a magnesium alloy modified by high-intensity pulsed ion beam

Microarc oxidation (MAO) films on AZ31 magnesium alloy were treated by high-intensity pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) irradiation with ion energy of 300 keV at ion current density of 200 A/cm². A remelted layer of a few micrometers was produced on irradiated MAO films. The corrosion resistance of MAO films was characterized by potentiodynamic electrochemical test in 3.5% NaCl solution. The anodic polarization behavior of MAO samples exhibited a transition from the active anodic dissolution for the original one to the passivation-pitting breakdown for the modified films. The passivation-pitting breakdown voltage of modified films increased with multi-shot irradiation, i.e. from a value of − 1420 mV(SCE) at 1 shot to − 800 mV(SCE) at 5 shots, and the corresponding passivation current density decreased by two orders of magnitude. The irradiated MAO films have a higher corrosion potential than the original one, reaching a maximal value of − 1350 mV(SCE) at 5 shots from the original − 1580 mV(SCE). The electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) of modified MAO films was measured with varying the immersion time in 3.5% NaCl solution. The Nyquist impedance plots from modified films may show only a capacitive loop at the immersion time of 5 h, and the inductive loop occur at longer immersion time, whereas original films presenting both capacitive and inductive loops at all the immersion time. Bode plots of MAO films before and after irradiation were obviously distinguished in shape at low frequency range, especially at short immersion time. The evolution of Nyquist and Bode plots with immersion time was discussed in association with the processes of electrolyte penetration into the MAO structure and resultant reaction at the film-substrate interface. It is concluded that the improvement in the continuity and compaction of MAO films accounts for the enhanced corrosion resistance of the films irradiated by HIPIB.     

Anodic oxidation and dielectric behaviour of aluminium-niobium alloys

The anodizing behaviour of sputtering-deposited Al-Nb alloys, containing 21, 31 and 44 at.% niobium, has been examined in 0.1 M ammonium pentaborate electrolyte with interest in the composition and the dielectric properties of the anodic oxides. RBS and TEM revealed amorphous oxides, containing units of Nb₂O₅ and Al₂O₃ in proportion to the alloy composition. Xenon marker experiments indicated their growth through migration of the Nb⁵⁺, Al³⁺ and O²⁻ species, with cation transport numbers, in the range 0.31-0.35, and formation ratios, in the range 1.35-1.64 nm V⁻¹, intermediate between those of anodic alumina and anodic niobia. Al³⁺ ions migrate slightly faster than Nb⁵⁺ ions, promoting a thin alumina layer at the film surface, although this layer is penetrated by fingers of the underlying niobium-containing oxide of relatively reduced ionic resistivity. The incorporation of units of Nb₂O₅ into anodic alumina increases the dielectric constant from about 9 to the range 11-22 for the investigated alloys.     

New thio-compounds as corrosion inhibitor for steel in 1 M HCl

Some S-containing compounds newly synthesised have been tested as inhibitors for the corrosion of steel in 1 M HCl solution. Weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarisation and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods are used. The inhibiting action increases with the concentration of the compounds tested. The highest efficiency 95% is obtained at 10⁻⁴ M of [(11-hydroxyundecyl)thio]acetic acid (3 and 4). We note good agreement between gravimetric and electrochemical methods (potentiodynamic polarisation and EIS). Polarisation measurements show also that 3 and 4 act as mixed inhibitors. The cathodic curves indicate that the reduction of proton at the steel surface happens with an activating mechanism. 3 adsorbs on the steel surface according to Langmuir adsorption model. Effect of temperature is also studied between 308 K and 353 K.     

Influence of flow on the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel by fatty amines in association with phosphonocarboxylic acid salts

This work was carried out to study the inhibition mechanism of a carbon steel in a 200 mg l⁻¹ NaCl solution by a non-toxic multi-component inhibitor used for water treatment in cooling circuits. The inhibitive formulation was composed of 50 mg l⁻¹ fatty amines associated with 200 mg l⁻¹ phosphonocarboxylic acid salts. Steady-state current-voltage curves, obtained with a rotating disc electrode, revealed that the properties of the protective layer were dependent on the electrode rotation rate and on the immersion time. The cathodic process of oxygen reduction was not modified in the presence of the inhibitive mixture. As expected, the current densities increased when the rotation rate was increased. In the anodic range, original behaviour was observed: the current densities decreased when the electrode rotation rate increased. The morphology and the chemical composition of the inhibitive layers allowed the electrochemical results to be explained. Two distinct surface areas were visualised on the metal surface and the ratio between the two zones was dependent on the flow conditions. This behaviour was attributed to a mechanical effect linked to centrifugal force. XPS analysis revealed that the formation of a chelate between the phosphonocarboxylic acid salt molecules and the iron oxide/hydroxide was enhanced by the increase of the electrode rotation rate.     

Stress generated porosity in anodic alumina formed in sulphuric acid electrolyte

The generation of pores is investigated in anodic films formed at 5 mA cm⁻² on aluminium in 0.4 M sulphuric acid electrolyte at 293 K. The study follows the behaviour of a fine tungsten tracer layer, initially located in the aluminium, during anodizing. Significantly, the tungsten is incorporated into the anodic film with negligible loss of the tracer to the electrolyte. The findings indicate that pores develop primarily due to flow of film material in the barrier layer under the influences of the stresses of film growth. The flow of material from beneath pores toward the cell walls is accommodated by the increased thickness of the anodic film relative to that of the oxidized metal by a factor of about 1.35.     

Corrosion behavior of carbon steel protected with single and bi-layer of silane films filled with silica nanoparticles

The electrochemical behaviour of carbon steel coated with bis-[trimethoxysilylpropyl]amine (BTSPA) filled with silica nanoparticles in naturally aerated 0.1 mol L^− 1 NaCl solutions was evaluated. The coating was prepared by adding different concentrations of silica nanoparticles (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm) to the hydrolysis solution and then a second layer without silica nanoparticles was applied. The electrochemical behavior of the coated steel was evaluated by means of open-circuit potential (E_OC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curves. Surface characterization was made by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and its hydrophobicity assessed by contact angle measurements. EIS diagrams have shown an improvement of the barrier properties of the silane layer with the silica addition, which was further improved on the bi-layer system. However, a dependence on the filler concentration was verified, and the best electrochemical response was obtained for samples modified with 300 ppm of silica nanoparticles. AFM images have shown a homogeneous distribution of the silica nanoparticles on the sample surface; however particles agglomeration was detected, which degraded the corrosion protection performance. The results were explained on the basis of the improvement of the barrier properties of the coating due to the filler addition and on the onset of defective regions on the more heavily filled coatings allowing easier electrolyte penetration.     

The effects of pharmaceutically active compound doxycycline on the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution

Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution by doxycycline has been studied by weight loss measurements, polarization resistance, Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The inhibitor showed more than 95% inhibition efficiency at optimum concentration 9.02 × 10⁻⁴ M. Potentiodynamic polarization suggests that it is a mixed type of inhibitor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated to investigate mechanism of inhibition. The compound follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. AFM studies of mild steel surface with and without inhibitor were performed and calculated roughness also supported the inhibition data.     

New application and electrochemical characterization of a nickel-doped mesoporous carbon for supercapacitors

A novel electrode of nickel-doped mesoporous carbon (NMC) is prepared from furfuryl alcohol and firstly developed for use in electrochemical capacitors. The electrochemical performance of NMC/AC capacitor is systematically investigated and characterized by BET and BJH methods for determining surface area and pore size distribution, respectively. This new NMC/AC shows a high specific capacitance, high energy and power density due to its large surface area and bulk conductivity. Its electrochemical characteristics are investigated through cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and charge-discharge (C/D) tests. The NMC/AC has a specific capacitance of 144.3 Fg⁻¹, higher than that of a pure activated carbon (AC)-based EDLC (ca. 105 Fg⁻¹). It can be a promising candidate for a new energy storage material for supercapacitor.