Electroanalytical studies of the corrosion-protection properties of 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-dimethanol (ATD) on mild steel in 0.5 N sulfuric acid

Abstract

Inhibition of the corrosion of mild steel in aerated 0.5 N H2SO4 solution by 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-dimethanol (ATD) was investigated by use of potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, adsorption, and surface morphological studies. The effects on the rate of corrosion of inhibitor concentration, temperature, extent of surface coverage, adsorption kinetics, and surface morphology were investigated. Inhibition efficiency increased markedly with increasing ATD concentration and decreased slightly with increasing temperature. The presence of ATD reduced the capacitance of the double layer and increased the charge-transfer resistance. Values of the activation energy (E a) and of the thermodynamic data adsorption equilibrium constant (K ads) and free energy of adsorption (ΔG ads) were computed from the temperature dependence of the corrosion current. The inhibitor molecule first became adsorbed on the mild steel surface, obeying the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and substantially reduced the rate of corrosion. Results of electroanalytical studies revealed that ATD acts as a mixed-type inhibitor.