Surface characterization of mild steel exposed to atmosphere after being treated by sodium benzoate and dicyclohexylamine nitrite

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to investigate the performances of two inhibitors in controlling corrosion of steel products in industrial and marine atmosphere. Design/methodology/approach - Corrosion rates were determined by weight loss measurements. At certain periods of atmospheric exposure, the (disc shape) specimens were retrieved and studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry surface analysis techniques. Findings - Both inhibitors were effective against corrosion of steel in the early stages of the atmospheric exposure (for about two months). With further exposure to the atmosphere, their inhibition effectiveness deteriorated and was totally lost within four months. Analysis of the specimens before exposure showed that the inhibitor film was thin for both treatments, and the unexposed treated surface for both inhibitors appeared similar to the untreated unexposed specimen surface. Characterization of the specimens at different exposure periods showed fewer corrosion blisters on dicyclohexylamine nitrite- and sodium benzoate-treated surfaces than on untreated specimens. Originality/value - The objective of this study was to characterize the surfaces of the steel products produced locally during their exposure to the industrial and marine atmosphere of the Arabian Gulf region after being treated by sodium benzoate and dicyclohexylamine nitrite in controlling the corrosion of local mild steel products. According to the literature review, this study is original and will add value to the studies of inhibition of steel corrosion under similar environments.