Corrosion Inhibition of a Mild Steel by Aniline and Alkylamines in Acidic Solutions

Corrosion inhibition of a mild steel in acid solutions by alkylamines (ALK-AM) and aniline hydrochloric (ANL-HCl) salts was investigated in the presence of sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) and sodium chloride (NaCl) using a potentiostat, a contact-angle goniometer, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and an atomic force microscope (AFM). Results showed chloride ions (Cl⁻) had a pronounced effect on inhibition of amines and ANL for corrosion of mild steel. In the presence of Cl⁻ ions, cationic types of surfactants (ALK-AM and ANL) were attached to the surface through formation of chloride precipitate at the surface. In the absence of the organic inhibitors, corrosion initiated along grain boundaries of ferrite and pearlite structures. In the presence of the organic inhibitor, however, the steel surface was covered by an organic salt precipitation, and the corrosion rate was reduced significantly.