Surface active hyperbranched polyamide-ester as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in both neutral and acidic media

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to protect carbon steel from corrosion with self–aggregated, eco-friendly, water-soluble hyperbranched polyamide-ester (Hb-PAE). Design/methodology/approach – Hb-PAE was synthesized through bulk polycondensation reaction between maleic anhydride and di-isopropanol amine. Complete structural analysis for the obtained polymer was performed using Fourier Transfer Infra-Red Spectroscopy, 1H NMR, Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry, and the molar mass was measured using gel permeation chromatography/refractive index. For this study, the surface activity of Hb-PAE with hydroxyl end groups was investigated. Surface tension of 1.0 × 10−6 to 0.1M of both Hb-PAE/H2O and Hb-PAE/1N HCl systems was measured, and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) in both systems was determined. Hb-PAE was examined as a corrosion inhibitor for plain carbon steel in both neutral (distilled water) and acidic (1N HCl) media. The corrosion of the steel was studied quantitatively by measuring its weight loss in both media in the absence and presence of Hb-PAE. The surface morphology of the exposed steel test samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Findings – It was found that Hb-PAE inhibited corrosion of steel around the CAC, and its corrosion inhibition efficiency was increased by increasing its concentration. Originality/value – The research can provide a reference for the relationship between the aggregation concentration of the prepared Hb-PAE with its corrosion inhibition efficiency on plain carbon steel. Hb-PAE as a corrosion inhibitor is environmentally acceptable, economical and readily available.