Synergistic effect of benzoate and benzotriazole on passivation of mild steel

The electrochemical behaviour of mild steel was investigated in near neutral air saturated solutions containing benzoate (Bzo) and benzotriazole (BTA), separately or mixed. In the benzoate/BTA mixtures the open circuit passivation was found to be much better than in pure benzoate electrolytes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements resulted in characteristic Bode plots due to the synergistic effect of both inhibitors in the presence of oxygen. Open circuit potential (OCP) measurements vs. time supported the observed behaviour. The inhibition effect can be attributed to the blocking of surface sites for anodic dissolution by benzoate and a subsequent strong adsorption of benzotriazole on the natural oxide layer.