2-Mercaptobenzimidazole as a copper corrosion inhibitor: Part I. Long-term immersion, 3D-profilometry, and electrochemistry

The high corrosion inhibition effectiveness of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBIH) in 3 wt.% aqueous NaCl solution is reported using long term immersion tests, 3D-profilometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic curve measurements. The high corrosion inhibition performance was proven after 180 days of immersion. The impedance spectra were characterized by two time constants relating to charge transfer and finite layer thickness or semi-infinite diffusion of copper ions through the surface layer, therefore Cu corrosion in solution containing MBIH follows kinetic-controlled and diffusion-controlled processes. Moreover, it is shown that MBIH is a mixed-type inhibitor. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.