Corrosion inhibition of carbon steel by 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid is based on the formation of an inhibiting film. Changes in the water composition in contact with this film during formation influence its growth rate and thickness. The initial state of the steel surface is also important in film formation. Certain chemical parameters create conditions under which the film grows to a greater thickness, resembling scale formation. This disturbed film is then a good model for underdeposit corrosion mechanism studies. Surface methods (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, Auger spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy) have been used to investigate the structure and composition of this transitional film.