The inhibition mechanism of sodium 3-n-octylmercaptopropionate for iron corrosion in an aerated 0.5 M NaCl solution was investigated by polarization and impedance measurements. More than 80% of the inhibition efficiency was obtained at an inhibitor concentration of 1 x 10–3 M over the period of 72 h. The x-ray photoelectron spectra showed that the iron surface inhibited with this compound was covered with a layer of ferric and ferrous oxides containing NaCl and a slight amount of the inhibitor. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) studies indicated that local corrosion occurred on the iron surface and that the inhibitor and Cl were concentrated at pits on the surface. It was supposed that this inhibitor suppressed the pit formation by coverage of a reaction product with Fe3+ and the anodic dissolution of iron in the pit by chemisorption of the inhibitor via an oxygen or sulfur atom.

You do not currently have access to this content.