Water-soluble polymeric corrosion inhibitors

Corrosion is a destructive phenomenon that causes the degradation of metallic structures and even total failures when metals and alloys come in contact with various corrosive environments. Using corrosion inhibitors is a very economical and easy-to-employ approach among other prevailing corrosion tackling methods. Unlike small-molecule corrosion inhibitors, polymers have multifunctionality and better film-forming abilities, which could dramatically improve protective barrier properties. This chapter highlights the application of many water-soluble polymers, such as copolymers, grafted polymers, and polymer composites, providing corrosion protection to mild steel, carbon steel, iron, and aluminum, in various corrosive electrolyte media. Additionally, many naturally occurring water-soluble polymers of multiple architectures have been discussed as highly-desired green corrosion inhibitors. To prevent metallic corrosion, a section on how these polymers are being used across different industries, such as acid cleaning, oil-well acidization, marine corrosion, and cooling systems, has also been discussed in detail.