Abstract

CORROSION: CHEMISTRY, EFFECTS AND PREVENTION METHODS

Abambagade Abera Mitiku*

Abstract

This review article includes chemistry of corrosion, factors affecting corrosion, effects of corrosion, corrosion prevention methods, corrosion inhibitors and mechanism of action of corrosion inhibitors. Ferrous based-metals, iron metal and metal alloys containing iron (mild steel), and steels are routinely used in different fields. Corrosion is defined as the deterioration of a substance or its properties due to interactions between the substance and its environment. Corrosion is an unavoidable fact in everyday life but always receive attention to control due to its technical, economical, and esthetical importance. Corrosion can cause disastrous damage to metal and alloy structures causing economic consequences, health effects and environmental pollution. The extent and rate of corrosion depend on nature of the metals and the environments. Methods of corrosion control include surface coatings, proper designing, modifying the environment, cathodic protection, use of inhibitors etc. Most of the corrosion inhibitors are synthetic chemicals (organic and inorganic) that are hazardous to environments and expensive. This has prompted researchers to explore other areas to produce eco-friendly, cheap, and biodegradable green corrosion inhibitors to replace inorganic and synthetic organic inhibitors. The efficiency of the inhibitor is generally attributed to the adsorption of the inhibitor molecules at the metal/solution interface, forming a protective film.

Keywords: Adsorption, Corrosion inhibition; Corrosion rate, Electrochemical, Green inhibitor; phytochemicals.