Surface modification of iron by self-assembly of phosphonates

Surface modification of iron was performed in aqueous solution of alkane-phosphonic acid [H-(CH2)(n)-PO3H2; n=6, 7, 8, and 10] derivatives in order to protect metal against corrosion. It was obtained that spontaneous protective layer formation can be accomplished by simple immersion of iron into the aqueous solution of molecules. The growth kinetics of adsorption layer formation of phosphonates consists of two distinct parts, a fast adsorption and a slower process supposed due to the organization. Phosphonate layers was proved to be stable in atmospheric conditions, but need to stabilize for application in corrosive environments.