A dissymmetric bis-quaternary ammonium salt gemini surfactant as effective inhibitor for Q235 steel in hydrochloric acid

The inhibition effect and adsorption behavior of a novel dissymmetric bisquaternary ammonium salt (DBAL) for Q235 steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid medium were investigated using weight loss method, polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The result of weight loss method indicates that the inhibition efficiency increased with DBAL concentration and temperature in the studied range. The inhibition efficiency is above 90% at a concentration of 3.28 × 10 ^-4 M in the temperature range of 298-328 K. The polarization measurements reveal that DBAL is a mix-type inhibitor which mainly inhibits cathodic process. EIS results show that changes in the impedance parameters (R _ct and C _d) were due to the formation of a protective layer on the Q235 steel surface by the adsorption of inhibitor molecules. Adsorption follows the Langmuir isotherm via chemical adsorption on the Q235 steel surface. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were evaluated from the effect of temperature on corrosion and inhibition processes to discuss the adsorption mechanism.