Novel Technique for the Application of Azole Corrosion Inhibitors on Copper Surface

Abstract

A new method was proposed for the application of azole corrosion inhibitors on the surface of copper. This method depends on the vacuum pyrolysis of the inhibitor in the presence of copper specimens. Three azole inhibitors namely; benzotriazole (Azole (1)), N-[Benzotriazol-1-yl-(phenyl)-methylene]-N-phenyl-hydrazine (Azole (2)) and N-[Benzotriazol-1-yl-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-methylene]-N-phenyl-hydrazine (Azole (3)) were tested. After pyrolysis copper samples were electrochemically tested in sulfide polluted salt water and compared to the behavior of copper tested in the sulfide polluted salt water containing dissolved benzotriazole. Results showed that copper specimens treated in the presence of Azoles (2) and (3) exhibit excellent corrosion resistance. Those samples could resist the poisoning effect of sulfide ions. Azole (1) shows good resistance at low sulfide concentration and failed at the high concentration. Surface investigation support the results of electrochemical tests.