An Application of Corrosion Inhibitors

Attempts to Prepare Chromium-Free, Self-Healing Protective Films

Abstract

Self-healing protective films were prepared on iron and zinc electrodes by treatment with environmentally acceptable corrosion inhibitors. The electrodes coated with the films were scratched with a knife-edge crosswise and immersed in an aerated 0.1 or 0.5M NaCl solution for many hours. The protective and self-healing abilities of the films were examined by polarization measurement and observation of pit formation within the scratches. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron-probe microanalysis of the surfaces scratched and immersed in the NaCl solution revealed the protective and self-healing activities of the films against corrosion of iron and zinc.