TETRAZOLE DERIVATIVES AS CORROSION-INHIBITORS FOR COPPER IN CHLORIDE SOLUTIONS

The inhibiting action of some tetrazole derivatives on the copper corr osion in chloride solutions has been studied. Experiments have been ca rried on OFHC copper in 0.1 M NaCl solutions with the following tetraz ole derivatives at the 10(-3) M concentration: tetrazole (T), 5-mercap to-1-methyl-tetrazole (SMc-1Me-T), 5-mercapto(Na salt)-1-methyl-tetraz ole (5NaMc-1Me-T), 5-mercapto-1-acetic acid(Na salt)-tetrazole (5Mc-1A c-T), 5-mercapto-1-phenyl-tetrazole (5Mc-1Ph-T), 5-phenyl-tetrazole (5 Ph-T) and 5-amino-tetrazole (5NH(2)-T) in the range of pH from 4 to 8 and at temperatures of 40 and 80 degrees C. Some inhibitors have been studied from 10(-5) to 6 x 10(-3) M. Cathodic and anodic polarisation curves were recorded after 1 h of immersion. Polarisation resistances measurements have been made as a function of the time in the 300 h exp eriment. The weight loss measurements have confirmed the electrochemic al trend. The prefilming action of some tetrazole derivatives has been evaluated. The interaction between the organic molecules and the meta l surface has been studied by means of FTIR reflection spectra. All th e inhibitors, except the 5Mc-1Ac-T which stimulates the corrosion, sho w an inhibiting efficiency from 50 to 99%. In every case the inhibitin g efficiency increases with increasing pH value. 5Mc-1Ph-T and 5Ph-T s how the better protective characteristics. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd