Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical performance of a new imidazoline derivative as an environmentally friendly corrosion and scale inhibitor

A new imidazoline derivative, {[(benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)imino]bis(methylene)} bis(phosphonicacid), named as BMIBMBPA, was synthesized as an environmentally friendly corrosion and scale inhibitor. The performance of BMIBMBPA for carbon steel in cooling tower water was evaluated using weight loss, electrochemical measurements and a scale test and compared to that of sodium tungstate. The optimum concentration of BMIBMBPA was measured to be 40 mg/L and a much higher value, even at lower inhibition efficiencies, was determined for sodium tungstate. The electrochemical measurements demonstrated that BMIBMBPA acts as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. Surface analyses revealed adsorption of BMIBMBPA and scale inhibition through disruption in growth of precipitates.