In this study, the time-dependent performance of a phosphorus-free corrosion and scale inhibitor primarily composed of polyoxyuccinic acid (PESA) and zinc salts was investigated in a laboratory-simulated hard water environment. Long-term static scale inhibition tests and corrosion rotation coupon tests were conducted under two temperature conditions, 45 °C and 80 °C, following established literature standards. Changes in water quality, scale morphology, metal corrosion status, and electrochemical impedance were monitored using calcium ion concentration analysis, optical microscopy imaging, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical testing. The study revealed a progressive decline in the corrosion and scale inhibition efficiency of the phosphorus-free inhibitor in simulated hard water with calcium carbonate hardness levels of 300, 400, and 500 mg/L over time. Moreover, higher water hardness accelerated corrosion onset, suggesting that calcium carbonate deposition promotes metal corrosion under the experimental conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that PESA chemically adsorbs onto both metal and calcite surfaces, underscoring its dual role in corrosion and scale inhibition. These findings underscore the intrinsic corrosion and scale inhibition capabilities of PESA, complementing its synergistic film-forming properties with Zn2+.
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