An electroactive co-polymer as corrosion inhibitor for steel in sulphuric acid medium

The corrosion behavior of mild steel in sulphuric acid solution containing various concentrations of a co-polymer formed between maleic anhydride and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (VPMA) was investigated using weight-loss, polarization and electrochemical impedance techniques. The polymer acts as an effective corrosion inhibitor for steel in sulphuric acid medium. The inhibition process is attributed to the formation of an adsorbed film of co-polymer on the metal surface which protects the metal against corrosion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the metal surfaces confirmed the existence of an adsorbed film. The adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm. The protection efficiency increased with increase in inhibitor concentration and decreased with increase in temperature and acid concentration. The thermodynamic functions of the adsorption and dissolution processes were evaluated.