Chapter 15 - Molybdates as corrosion inhibitors

Abstract

The interfacial contact of metallic-based materials with corrosive environments leads to the degradation of their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Such inevitable phenomena can cause undesirable impacts in three areas of concern: great economic loss, safety, and environmental damage. Corrosion prevention, as well as its mechanism, has been receiving attention from academic and industrial personnel. Many different techniques have been developed to prevent metallic corrosion. In this regard, the use of a corrosion inhibitor is known as a suitable and applicable in situ solution. A wide range of chemical compounds have been used as effective corrosion inhibitors. In this context, we can list the inorganic substances, especially the oxyanions like molybdate anions, which exhibit a powerful capacity to retard the corrosion of various metallic materials in different corrosive media. Molybdate anions have great oxidizing capability and are chelating agents, as well as having negligible toxicity and good environmental acceptability. Accordingly, this chapter aims to shed more light on the use of molybdate in safe inorganic anticorrosion compounds against metallic corrosion in various electrolytic media.