Effect of Brij35 on mild steel corrosion in acidic medium

Abstract

The effect of polyoxyethylene glycol dodecyl ether (Brij35), a surfactant, on corrosion of mild steel in 1N sulphuric acid has been studied using three techniques, namely galvanostatic, potentiostatic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. The galvanostatic and potentiostatic studies are performed to determine the corrosion current, inhibition efficiency, passivation current and passivation potential range. The parameters so obtained have been used to explain the effectiveness of inhibitor when present in different concentrations. SEM studies also help to understand the changes that take place on the surface layer with respect to change in Brij35 concentration. The extent of corrosion inhibition has also been evaluated by comparing the micrographs obtained from SEM. The results obtained are in direct agreement with the electrochemical studies. It is also revealed that Brij35 acts as an efficient inhibitor and shows very good inhibition efficiency.