The main mechanism of corrosion inhibitors is to achieve the anti-corrosion effect of metals through the following aspects:
Forming a protective layer: The corrosion inhibitor generates a protective layer that can adhere to the metal surface. This protective layer can be a physical barrier that blocks direct contact between the medium and the metal surface, thereby reducing the occurrence of corrosion. It can also be a chemical layer with different chemical activity from the metal surface, which can adsorb or react on the metal surface, forming a sealed and stable protective film.
Provide anodic protection: Some corrosion inhibitors have the effect of anodic protection. They form a layer of substances with lower potential on the metal surface, acting as anodes in electrochemical reactions, thereby slowing down the oxidation reaction of the metal. This type of anodic protection can be achieved through the corrosion inhibitor itself or together with the protective layer formed on the metal surface.
Inhibition of electrochemical reactions: Corrosion inhibitors can interfere with or inhibit electrochemical reactions between metals and media. They can alter the electrochemical characteristics of metal surfaces and reduce the anodic or cathodic reaction rate of the metal. By suppressing these reactions, the corrosion of metals in the medium can be reduced.
Coordination effect: Some corrosion inhibitors can form complexes or complexes with metal ions dissolved in the medium. These complexes can reduce the solubility of metals in the medium and form relatively stable compounds, thereby slowing down the corrosion process of metals.
In summary, corrosion inhibitors achieve the anti-corrosion effect of metals through various mechanisms such as forming a protective layer, providing anodic protection, inhibiting electrochemical reactions, and coordinating with metal ions. The specific mechanism to be adopted depends on the nature of the corrosion inhibitor and the environmental conditions in which it is located.