Water‐soluble polymers as corrosion inhibitors
Abstract
Purpose
To determine the inhibition efficiency and adsorption characteristics of two water soluble polymers namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethyleneglycol (PGE) as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in H2SO4.
Design/methodology/approach
The inhibition efficiencies of PVA and PEG were evaluated using the weight loss and hydrogen evolution techniques at 30‐60°C.
Findings
The inhibition efficiency (I per cent) of the inhibitors increased with increase in concentration and temperature. The inhibitors (PVA and PEG) were found to obey Temkin, Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms from the fit of the experimental data at all concentrations and temperatures studied. The phenomenon of chemical adsorption is proposed from the activation parameters obtained. PEG was found to be a better inhibitor than PVA.
Research limitations/implications
The mechanistic aspect of the corrosion inhibition can be better understood using electrochemical studies such as polarization and AC impedance spectra.
Practical implications
The findings may be useful in cooling water systems in industries under simulated conditions.
Originality/value
This paper provides additional new information on the inhibiting characteristics of PVA and PEG as promising corrosion inhibitors.
Keywords
Citation
Umoren, S.A., Ebenso, E.E., Okafor, P.C. and Ogbobe, O. (2006), "Water‐soluble polymers as corrosion inhibitors", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 35 No. 6, pp. 346-352. https://doi.org/10.1108/03699420610711353
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited