Development of new cyclopolymer containing cationic, bis-cationic, and hydrophobic motifs as a corrosion inhibitor [Phase I]

Corrosion is a process that damages metal due to chemical reactions with the environment. It is a constant, continuous, and costly problem, often challenging to eliminate. Several types of corrosive environments are encountered in the petroleum industry. Approximately 25 to 30% of the total economic losses in the oil and gas industry are due to failures of pipes and other plant systems resulting from metallic corrosion, which can lead to severe accidents, explosions, and environmental damage. Acidizing is a crucial step in oil and gas drilling to enhance oil production. In this process, HCl at concentrations of 528% is used to dissolve calcareous materials, making the environment corrosive to mild, carbon, and lowalloy steels. To reduce the aggressive attack of acid on pipeline steels, corrosion inhibitors are significantly used during the acidization process. The proposed research work deals with the design, synthesis and characterization of a group of new cyclopolymers containing cationic, bis-cationic, and hydrophobic motifs for the first time from inexpensive commercially available starting materials that could potentially find an application in the inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl used in oil-well stimulation. The preliminary investigation would shed light on the effectiveness of the synthesized cyclocopolymers in arresting mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl. In the current study, we aim to synthesize and characterize a group of new cyclopolymers containing cationic, bis-cationic, and hydrophobic motifs in polymeric backbone/pendants, which would be evaluated as corrosion inhibitors by different methods in future stage. It is expected that upon completion of the proposed research in 4-6 phases, a novel, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, more efficient, and thermally stable new cyclopolymers will be developed and realize their applications as corrosion inhibitors. This proposed research will allow us to train highly qualified personnel on chemistry and engineering aspects on developing and applying novel corrosion inhibitors, which may help us/them to build a prosperous professional career. It will ultimately open up an innovative window on R & D in developing the oil-based economy for Saudi Arabia.