New Multi-Functional Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitors

A new family of surface-active organic compounds is proposed for formulating multi-purpose vapor phase corrosion inhibitors (VCI's). The proposed research explores the feasibility of applying state-of-the-art surface science with the concepts of molecular simulation and molecular self assembly to produce a new class of corrosion inhibitors. The ultimate objective is to develop a family of VCI's that readily volatilize at ambient temperature, pose little toxicological or environmental hazard, displace surface water from metallic substrates, effectively prevent the corrosion of ferrous and nonferrous metals and self-assemble into coherent coatings for long-term protection. In the proposed study the candidate precursor materials for these VCI's will be identified, chemically derivatized for improved volatility, the compatibility of different compounds predicted by computer simulation, and structure-property profiles determined. The ability of selected experimental VCI blends to inhibit the corrosion of ferrous and nonferrous metals in enclosed environments will be demonstrated. The anticorrosive properties will be measured by traditional accelerated tests such as salt spray exposure, enclosed humid environment exposure, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).