A review on the assessment of polymeric materials used as corrosion inhibitor of metals and alloys

Corrosion control of metals is an important activity of technical, economical, environmental, and aesthetical importance. The use of inhibitors is one of the best options of protecting metals and alloys against corrosion. The toxicity of organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors to the environment has prompted the search for safer corrosion inhibitors such as green corrosion inhibitors as other more environmental friendly corrosion inhibitors, most of which are biodegradable and do not contain heavy metals or other toxic compounds. Investigations of corrosion-inhibiting abilities of polymeric substances, e.g., plant gums, in addition to being environmentally friendly and ecologically acceptable, have shown that plant products are inexpensive, readily available, and renewable sources of materials. Need for more effective inhibitors has propelled companies such as the Montazhkhimzashchita Trust to develop a pool method of welding sheet vinyl, a method widely employed in gluing on roller sticky bands from thermoplast on a pipe. The article enumerates several kinds of polymeric materials which are suitable for use in combating corrosion, and several which have suitable strength characteristics as to serve in place of scarce expensive metals and alloys.