Inhibiting Effect of Poly-4-Vinylpyridine on the Acid Corrosion of Copper

Abstract

The efficiency of poly-4-vinylpyridine (poly-4-VP) as an inhibitor for acid corrosion of Cu was investigated. The effect of poly-4-VP on the corrosion rate was measured in 3 M HNO₃ at various temperatures and concentrations. It was observed that poly-4-VP has a significant inhibiting effect on the corrosion of the metal; protection efficiencies approaching 80% were measured. The result of the apparent activation energies in absence and in presence of the inhibitor suggest that poly-4-VP does not change the mechanism of the rate-determining step of the corrosion process. The mechanism of inhibition was proposed on the basis of the formation of a protective film by poly-4-VP molecules on the metal surface.