A corrosion inhibitor is a chemical substance that can slow down or inhibit the corrosion process of metals. They function through various mechanisms, including the following corrosion inhibition principles:
Blocking effect: Corrosion inhibitors can form a protective deposit on the metal surface. These deposits can block the contact between metals and corrosive media, reducing the rate of corrosion reaction. Common blocking agents include metal salts and oxides.
Slow dissolution: Some corrosion inhibitors themselves have a certain degree of solubility and can form soluble complexes or complexes on the metal surface. These complexes are relatively stable for corrosive media and can reduce the corrosion rate of metals.
Electrochemical action: Corrosion inhibitors can slow down the corrosion process by altering the electrochemical reaction between metals and corrosive media. They can introduce new electrochemical reaction pathways, such as catalytic reduction or oxidation reactions on the electrode, thereby reducing electrode reactions of the metal itself.
Insulation effect: Some corrosion inhibitors can form a protective layer with insulating properties on the metal surface. This protective layer can prevent ions in electrolytes or corrosive media from coming into contact with metals and reduce the occurrence of corrosion reactions.
Ion exchange reaction: The ions in the corrosion inhibitor can exchange with the ions on the metal surface, forming a stable complex. These complexes can reduce the activity of metal surfaces and reduce the corrosion rate of metals.
It should be noted that different types of corrosion inhibitors may adopt different corrosion inhibition principles, and their scope of application and effectiveness may also vary accordingly. When using corrosion inhibitors in practice, it is necessary to select appropriate inhibitors based on specific metal and corrosion conditions, and follow relevant usage guidelines and regulations.