Studies on the corrosion inhibiting effect of Congo red dye‐halide mixtures

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy of Congo red dye (CR) as an inhibitor of the acid corrosion of mild steel and aluminium alloy (AA 1060) and to assess the influence of halide ions on the inhibition efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Corrosion rates were estimated by monitoring the weight losses of the metal specimen as a function of time at different temperatures. Inhibition efficiency was determined by comparing the corrosion rates in the acid medium in the absence and presence of the additive.

Findings

CR dye reduced the corrosion rates of mild steel and aluminium in the acidic environment. Better inhibition was observed with the mild steel specimen. Protection efficiency was sensitive to inhibitor concentration as well as temperature and generally increased with an increase in CR dye concentration. The halide additives improved the inhibition efficiency in the order KCl < KBr < KI.

Research limitations/implications

The inhibiting effect of CR dye was studied within a fixed concentration range, which could be expanded for further studies. The same applies to the CR+halide systems. Also, the dye structure could be modified by introducing different functional groups, and the effect on inhibition efficiency investigated.

Practical implications

The research findings could find practical application in corrosion control in aqueous acidic environments.

Originality/value

This paper provides new information on the inhibiting characteristics of CR dye under the specified conditions, as a guide to possible applications in metal surface anodizing and surface coatings.

Citation

Oguzie, E.E. and Ebenso, E.E. (2006), "Studies on the corrosion inhibiting effect of Congo red dye‐halide mixtures", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 35 No. 1, pp. 30-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/03699420610638021