TITLE:
Comprehensive Evaluation of a Novel Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor Formulation for St37 Carbon Steel in Chloride Media
AUTHORS:
Ertuğrul Kaya, Ahmet Korkmaz, Eslem Dinç, Husnu Gerengi
KEYWORDS:
Carbon Steel, St37, Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI)
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Surface Engineered Materials and Advanced Technology,
Vol.15 No.1,
June
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: In this research, the influence of a volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) blend, which includes boron-amine complex, carboxylic acid, and ester groups, on the corrosion behavior of St37 carbon steel in a 3.5% NaCl solution was assessed. To determine how well the VCI protects against corrosion, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarization (TP) tests were performed. Moreover, tests following the TL-8135-0043 standard were carried out to confirm the effectiveness of the inhibitor. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) were employed to investigate the protective coating created by the inhibitor on the steel’s surface. The EIS findings indicated a notable enhancement in corrosion resistance correlating with higher VCI concentrations. Analysis of Nyquist plots revealed that the VCI provided 71.24% protection. Characterization results illustrated that the inhibitor adheres to the surface, which impedes charge transfer and decreases the corrosion rate. TP tests suggested that the VCI functions as an anodic-type inhibitor, mainly inhibiting anodic dissolution. The VCI test was conducted according to the TL-8135-0043 standards, showing no corrosion signs on metal samples covered with VCI-infused paper for up to 30 days. SEM-EDAX and AFM evaluations affirmed the inhibitor’s adhesion to the metal surface, leading to the development of a protective layer.