Corrosion resistance of carbon steel under an aerobic acidic condition in the presence of borate as corrosion inhibitor

Abstract

Purpose \n \n \n \n \nA high-boron concentration solution is commonly used as a buffer system in the study of metal corrosion. However, it is impossible to apply such a high-boron concentration solution in the practical use because of the high-cost and environment problem. \n \n \n \n \nDesign/methodology/approach \n \n \n \n \nIn this study, the authors examined the effect of a low dosage of boric acid and borax mixture as inhibitor to suppress carbon steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution by weight loss experiment and various electrochemistry methods (potentiodynamic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectra and electrochemical noise). \n \n \n \n \nFindings \n \n \n \n \nResults showed that the borate mixture exhibited an anodic-type inhibitor characteristic, when the total boron concentration was in the range of 100∼150 mg L−1. The passivation performance derived from the formation of a passive film with and FeBO3-FeOOH structure, whose integrity and thickness gradually increased with the increasing boron concentration. \n \n \n \n \nOriginality/value \n \n \n \n \nLow boron solution could protect carbon steel from the attraction of corrosive ions by forming a passive film with Fe-O-B structure. The findings broaden the application range of borate solution in the industry.