Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric acid by cetyl compounds

Abstract

Inhibiting effect of cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTMAC) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTMAB) on the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl solution have been studied using three different techniques (weight loss, electrochemical polarization studies and surface study by SEM). Weight loss studies were conducted in 1 M HCl at different temperatures (25°, 35° & 45°C) using various concentrations (50-250 ppm) of inhibitor for 24 h immersion time. Inhibitor efficiency (IE) increases with increase in inhibitor concentrations (50-250 ppm) at a given temperature and time. IE was found to vary with concentration, temperature and immersion time. Electrochemical polarization result revealed that CTMAC and CTMAB were mixed type inhibitors.