Action of Metallic Corrosion Inhibitors and the Hard and Soft Acids and Bases Principle

Abstract

Chemical adsorption and the corrosion inhibition effect of inhibitors on metals and oxidized metals are closely related to the hard and soft acids and bases principle. A stable adsorption bond forms between the metal surface acting as a soft acid and an inhibitor classified as a soft base, resulting in a high inhibition effect on metallic corrosion. An inhibitor of a hard base is adsorbed on the oxidized metal surface acting as a hard acid without difficulty.