Comparison Between the Inhibition Efficiencies of Two Modification Processes with PEG-Ceria Based Layers Against Corrosion of Mild Steel in Chloride and Sulfate Media

Cerium (III) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) combinations were employed to enhance the corrosion resistance of ASTM A915 mild steel in 0.1 M NaCl and in 0.1 M Na2SO4 media. One of the combinations consisted in dipping the steel in a bath mixture of PEG and cerium nitrate for 60 min. In the second combination, the steel was first immersed in the PEG solution for 30 min, then in cerium nitrate for 30 additional minutes. The corrosion protective capabilities of the superficially modified steels were evaluated through cyclic voltammetry, linear polarization resistance (R (p)), polarization measurements (Tafel) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The composition and structure of the surface products were analyzed through Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to chemical EDS analysis. The mixture of PEG and cerium nitrate hindered the development of corrosion products on the mild steel surface. However, the subsequent immersion of the steel first in PEG then in cerium nitrate was not efficient to slow down corrosion.