Role of Hydroxyl Group in the Inhibitive Action of Benzoic Acid Toward Corrosion of Aluminum in Nitric Acid

Corrosion inhibition action of benzoic acid, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, 2-4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, and 3-4-5-trihydroxy benzoic acid toward aluminum alloy 3003 (UNS A93003) in 20% (wt%) nitric acid (HNO₃) using different concentrations of these compounds at 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C has been studied thoroughly. 3-4-5-trihydroxy benzoic acid (inhibition efficiency [IE]: 30% and 72%) was the most effective inhibitor followed by 2-4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (IE: 22% to 62%) p-hydroxy benzoic acid (IE: 11% to 52%), and benzoic acid (IE: 2.5% to 15%). IE increased with concentration and its maximum value was observed at 0.5% concentration of all inhibitors used. The percentage of IE of the inhibitors decreased with an increase in temperature from 30°C to 50°C. Values of heat adsorption and activation energy were calculated from weight loss data, which came out in the range for the reaction occurring at the surface. The behavior of inhibitors studied deviated from the Langmuir isotherm. The IE of higher hydroxy species was improved when more hydroxy centers were added. Anodic and cathodic polarization curves were shifted toward lower current density regions in the presence of inhibitors. This revealed that they were mixed inhibitors.