subject: Do you need corrosion inhibitors? [print this page] A corrosion inhibitor is a chemical compound designed to help stop metals or alloys from rusting. The effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors depends on many factors, including fluid composition, quantity of water and flow regime. However, if everything is correct, they could achieve efficiency of 90-99%.
How do they work?
In most cases, it forms a passivation layer on the metal. This is a thin film on the surface, which stops corrosive substances from attacking the material. In inhibits oxidation and the reduction of part of the redox corrosion system.
Do they have individual names?
Yes. Some corrosion inhibitors are: hexamine, phenylendiamine, benzotriazole, dimethylethanolamine, sodium nitrate, polyaniline and many more.
When are they useful?
There are many situations when they are not just helpful, but practically essential in protecting metals. Here are five situations which require corrosion inhibitors:
1. When using break fluids and coolants, they come into contact with pipes and metal components. Without adding inhibitors, there is a risk the breaks could fail or the vehicle might overheat.
2. When oil comes into contact with an engine, inhibitors ensure that it doesn't damage the parts that it is designed to protect.
3. Fuels also have a corrosion inhibitor added to them to ensue they lubricate, but don't damage the engine.
4. As well as avoiding rust while in a vehicle, they are also used during the storage process. The tanks or pipes that oils and fuels are kept also need protecting, so corrosion inhibitors play an important role.
5. It's not just engine-related metals that require the chemical compound. They are also used in domestic situations. For instance, they are also added to products that loosen nuts and bolts; lubricants for bicycle parts and gardening equipment; and household cleaning products.
