The chain length influence of cationic surfactant and role of nonionic co-surfactants on controlling the corrosion rate of steel in acidic media

The corrosion inhibition effect of cationic surfactants, DTAB (Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide) and TTAB (Tetradecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide), on low carbon steel was studied using weight loss, open circuit potential (OCP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The effect of chain length compatibility on corrosion inhabitancy of surfactant and co-surfactant was investigated by C7OH (1-heptanol), C12OH (1-dodecanol) and C15OH (1-pentadecanol) as nonionic co-surfactants in acidic media at different concentrations of DTAB and TTAB. Data represented that the corrosion rate decreased by increasing concentration of DTAB and TTAB, independently. The effect of chain length compatibility on surfactant behavior was discussed. Decreasing of corrosion rate for DTAB + C12OH was more pronounced than other mixtures. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.