What are corrosion inhibitors? Corrosion inhibitors are additives that inhibit corrosion of metals. It can form a protective film on the metal surface and slow down the corrosion rate of the metal. According to different principles of action, corrosion inhibitors can be divided into anodic, cathodic and mixed types.
How do corrosion inhibitors work? The main function of corrosion inhibitors is to form a protective film on the metal surface to isolate the metal from the surrounding medium to slow down the corrosion rate of the metal. This protective film is usually formed by a chemical reaction between the active groups in the corrosion inhibitor molecules and the metal surface.
What are the common types of corrosion inhibitors? Common corrosion inhibitors include organic corrosion inhibitors, inorganic corrosion inhibitors and mixed corrosion inhibitors. Among them, organic corrosion inhibitors can be divided into fatty acids, amines, alcohols, etc.; inorganic corrosion inhibitors can be divided into silicates, phosphates, etc.
The most common corrosion inhibitors used in various industries are:
- Organic inhibitors: These organic compounds form a protective film on the metal surface to prevent the metal from reacting with the corrosive environment. Examples of organic inhibitors include amines, imidazolines, and organic acids.
- Inorganic Inhibitors: These inorganic compounds provide corrosion protection by forming a passivating layer on the metal surface. Examples of inorganic inhibitors include chromates, phosphates and silicates.
- Rust inhibitors: These rust inhibitors are specifically designed to prevent rust and are often used in metal working fluids and lubricants. They work by forming a protective layer on the metal surface that prevents moisture and air from coming into contact with the metal.
- Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI): These inhibitors are often added to packaging materials or enclosed spaces to protect metal parts from corrosion during storage or transportation. Vapor-phase rust inhibitors release vapor to form a protective layer on the metal surface, inhibiting corrosion.
- Mixed Inhibitors: These formulations combine different types of inhibitors to provide enhanced corrosion protection. The combination of different corrosion inhibitors can exert a synergistic effect and improve the overall performance of the corrosion inhibitor.
It is important to note that the choice of corrosion inhibitor depends on the specific metal, environment and application. Different corrosion inhibitors may be more effective in different situations and a proper assessment of corrosion risks and requirements should be carried out to determine the most suitable corrosion inhibitor.
What are the differences between different types of corrosion inhibitors? Different types of corrosion inhibitors have different working principles and characteristics. For example, the active groups in organic corrosion inhibitor molecules usually react chemically with the metal surface to form an organic protective film; while inorganic corrosion inhibitors slow down the corrosion rate by forming an inorganic protective film on the metal surface. In addition, different types of corrosion inhibitors also have different applicability and effects for different metals and corrosive media.
What should we pay attention to when using corrosion inhibitors? When using corrosion inhibitors, you need to pay attention to the following matters: First, you must understand the material and corrosion environment of the metal used, and choose the appropriate type and concentration of corrosion inhibitors; secondly, pay attention to the use method and dosage of corrosion inhibitors to avoid excessive use. Use or insufficient use; in addition, attention must be paid to the storage and use safety of corrosion inhibitors to avoid harm to the human body and the environment; finally, reasonable compatibility and use must be based on the specific performance and actual needs of the corrosion inhibitors to achieve Best anti-corrosion effect.
We hope to help you better understand corrosion inhibitors and select and use suitable corrosion inhibitors in practical applications to effectively inhibit metal corrosion and extend the service life of equipment.