The effect of molybdate concentration and hydrodynamic effect on mild steel corrosion inhibition in simulated cooling water

The effects of two important factors namely concentration and hydrodynamics on the inhibition efficiency of molybdate were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Results showed that molybdate was capable of inhibiting the corrosion of mild steel in simulated cooling water. The inhibition efficiency of molybdate was increased with increasing both its concentration and water circulation velocity. These two factors seem to promote the adsorption of molybdate and oxygen ions on the metal surface, leading to the formation of a protective layer with a greater charge transfer resistance and lower permeability. A model is also proposed which facilitates the probable mechanism of inhibition. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.