Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no.

3, 861–884 861

A mini review on corrosion, inhibitors and mechanism types

of mild steel inhibition in an acidic environment
A. Kadhim,1 N. Betti,2 H.A. Al-Bahrani,3 M.K.S. Al-Ghezi,4 T. Gaaz,5
A.H. Kadhum3 and A. Alamiery4,6 *
1
Laser and Optoelectronics Engineering Department, University of Technology, 10001,
Baghdad, Iraq
2
Materials Engineering Department, University of Technology, P.O. Box: 1001, Baghdad,
Iraq
3
Al-Ameed University, P.O. Box: 1238, Karbalaa, Iraq
4
Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Center, University of Technology, 10001,
Baghdad, Iraq
5
Technical College Al-Musaib, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Al-Musaib, 51006,
Babil, Iraq
6
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built
Environment, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), P.O. Box: 43000, Bangi,
Selangor, Malaysia
*E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
For a long period, there have been significant losses at high costs due to the corrosion and
damage it causes in most industrial processes, especially in the oil and gas industries.
Consequently, erosion represents a serious threat to humans and animals, as it has a catastrophic
impact on the environment, which calls for permanent and final solutions to it, and therefore
there is a lot of literature related to the issue of corrosion. Hence the importance of natural or
synthetic organic corrosion inhibitors, as they are usually inexpensive and harmless because
they biodegrade, as proven by previous studies. Organic molecules that contain a number of
heterogeneous atoms and double and triple bonds in their molecular structures have a great
ability to resist corrosion of metals in various corrosive solutions. Much research has been
reported annually by many researchers related to corrosion inhibitors and their preparation or
extraction as well as the mechanism of classification and inhibition. The current study represents
the types of corrosion, types of inhibitors, mechanisms of action, measuring the corrosion
inhibitor efficiency and a brief presentation of research articles that use manufactured or
extracted coumarins as corrosion inhibitors, and a comparison between them in terms of
inhibition effectiveness has also been made.
Received: March 30, 2021. Published: July 6, 2021 doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2021-10-3-2

Keywords: corrosion types, mechanism, corrosion inhibitor, inhibition efficiency.

 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 862

1. Introduction
Corrosion is metal dissolution caused by interaction with acidic corrosive environments [1]
by direct chemical reactions resulting from the formation of noble compounds [2]. As
described by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, corrosion is the
irreversible reaction of an interlayer (polymer, metal, concrete, wood, or ceramic) with the
environment leading to ingestion or dissolution of the environmental component material [3].
Corrosion is an environmental hazard with economic, preservation and safety consequences
in many areas such as manufacturing, chemicals, automobiles, mechatronics, metallurgy, and
medical applications [4]. Different forms of material degradation have been addressed in
different environments [5]. There is also a need to create new approaches and methods to
counter these hazardous phenomena from the known factors, such as coatings, defensive
bushings, cathodic/anodic protection, and sealants. However, the results of studies conducted
on anti-corrosion textile applications in the above engineering fields showed the use of
corrosion inhibitors to be the most gentle and easy way to prevent the degradation of metals
and alloys in corrosive media [6, 7]. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of untested organic
corrosion inhibitors has been linked to the availability of nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous and
sulfur atoms in organic compounds [8] that have both protective effects and corrosion
inhibiting potential. The high-ranking corrosion inhibitors were cited to be green oxygen
corrosion inhibitors that display their inhibitory effect via hydrolysis or chemical absorption
at the mineral solution interface by removing surface water molecules to form a dense barrier
film [9, 10]. The incidence of a coordinate covalent bond is subject to the interaction between
the lone pair and the electrons available in untested organic corrosion inhibitor molecules with
vacant steel orbitals [11]. However, the combined adsorption on the metal surface using the
pi-bond formation is outperformed as a final result of the interference of the p electron with
the three-dimensional vacant orbital of the iron atom [12] due to the availability of N, O, and
S atoms and the double bonds in an organic compound [13]. The aim of this study is to discuss
in brief the types of corrosion, types of inhibitors, and mechanisms of action of inhibitor
molecules to control or impede the corrosion of mild steel in corrosive environments.

2. Types of corrosion
Corrosion is defined as the deterioration of a substance or its characteristics due to interactions
with a corrosive medium [14]. The tendency of a metal to corrode depends on its grain
structure, composition formed upon alloying, or the temperature of a metal surface developed
upon deformation during fabrication. Corrosion prevention would be more practical than
trying to eliminate it completely. Given that the environment plays as significant part in
corrosion, the mechanisms of corrosion can be as varied as the medium to which a material is
exposed and thus may be complex to understand. Parameters that produce corrosion include
metal reactivity, impurities, air, moisture, SO2 and CO2 in addition to electrolytes. Corrosion
prevention and retardation are aimed at addressing these factors [15]. The various kinds of
corrosion which depend on the media surrounding the material are displayed in Table 1 [16].
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 863

Table 1. The description of corrosion types.

Type of
Description
corrosion
A corrosive attack that occurs continuously over the entire surface or a significant
Uniform percentage of the overall area is described as uniform corrosion. Examples of surface
corrosion corrosion include dulling of a superficial or polished surface and acid cleaners or
oxidation of steel (discoloration).
Bimetallic corrosion is also known as an electrochemical phase in which a metal
Galvanic corrodes over another metal with which it comes into contact in the presence of an
corrosion electrolyte. When two separate metals are dipped in a conductive solution and
electrically connected, galvanic corrosion occurs.
A localized type of corrosion that creates cavities or “holes” in a substance. Pitting is
Pitting
known as more risky than uniform corrosion damage because the identification,
corrosion
estimation and configuration of it is tougher. The pit is also filled by corrosion products.
The growth of a crack formed in a corrosive setting is referred to as stress corrosion
cracking (SCC). It can result in an unforeseen and unexpected failure of metal alloys
Stress
that are normally ductile under tensile stress, especially at high temperatures. SCC is
corrosion
very solvent-specific and certain alloys can be subject to SCC only if subjected to a
cracking
limited number of chemical conditions. The chemical environment that causes SCC for
a particular alloy is often the one that causes mild corrosion to the metal.
It occurs in a corrosive fatigue environment. It is the mechanical weakening of a
Corrosion material under corrosion and cyclical loading operating jointly. Almost all engineering
fatigue systems undergo some form of alternate stress and are subjected to hazardous
conditions throughout their lifespan.
Intergranular IGC, also known as intergranular attack (IGA), is a type of corrosion in which the
corrosion boundaries of crystalline materials are more susceptible to erosion than the interiors.
Refers to a localized attack on a surface of metal at a distance of a fracture between two
Crevice joining plates, or directly adjacent to it. Between two metals or one metal and non-
corrosion metallic material the gap or crevice may be formed. Both metals are corrosion resistant
outside the gap or without the gap.
It is a particular type of corrosion which occurs in the form of randomly dispersed
filaments under some thin coatings. Corrosion of filiforms is often referred to as
Filiform
“underfilm corrosion”. Filiform corrosion is observed on surfaces of painted steel,
corrosion
magnesium, and aluminum with thin layers of tin, silver, gold, phosphate, enamel and
varnish.
Material surface deterioration due to mechanical activity, often by impaction of
Erosion
material, slurry abrasion, particles trapped in fast-flowing liquid or gas, bubbles or
corrosion
droplets, cavitation...
Fretting Corrosion impact on touch surface asperities is referred to. In the presence of repetitive
corrosion relative surface movement, for instance, by vibration, this harm is incurred under load.
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 864

3. Inhibitor types
During the acidizing procedure a number of organic compounds serve as CIs for steels,
including acetylenic alcohols, aldehyde-containing aromatic compounds, imminium salts,
nitriles, triazoles, thiocyanates, pyridine and its derivatives or salts [17], quinoline
derivatives, thiourea derivatives, quaternary salts, thiosemicarbazide [18, 19], quinoline
derivatives, thiourea derivatives, thiosemicarbazide derivatives, nitriles, imminium-based
salts, and nitrogen heterocycles. Nitrogen and acetylenic alcohol molecules appear to form
a film on metal surfaces and to be able to delay the metal breakdown (anodic response) and
production of hydrogen (a cathodic reaction) [20]. Propargyl alcohol is soluble in acidic
liquids, however, with an ever larger length of carbon chain, the solubility of other acetylenic
alcohols reduces. In conjunction with quaternary ammonium surfactants, the solubility of
these acetylenic alcohols can be improved [30]. The industrial supply and cost efficiency of
acetylenic alcohols was commonly used. The normal CI for acidification is generally
propargyl alcohol [21], with the synergistic influence of other compounds often substantial.
Propargyl alcohol, its salts, cinnamaldehyde, and aromatic compounds such as quaternary
pyridinium chloride are the most widely encountered CIs in the natural resource industry. In
1984 an outline of the use of CIs for acid media was published by Schmitt [22].
3.1. Natural corrosion inhibitors
Natural products such as plant extracts, coumarins, amino acids, and natural polymers were
published to be effective inhibitors for mild steel corrosion. Table 2 presents selected types
of natural products that are used as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acidic media [23].
Table 2. Corrosion inhibitory characteristics of selected natural products on mild steel in corrosive
environments.

Corrosive
Natural products IE (%) Ref.
environment
Tobacco leaves Acid media 87.5 [24]
Castor seeds Acid media 71.0 [24]
Black pepper Acid media 87.5 [24]
Soya bean Acid media 65 [24]
Catechu Acid media 50.0 [24]
Papaia Acid media 94 [25]
Poinciana pulcherrima Cassia Acid media 96 [25]
occidentalis Acid media 94 [25]
Datura stramonium seeds Calotropis Acid media 93 [25]
procera Acid media 98 [25]
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 865

Corrosive
Natural products IE (%) Ref.
environment
Azadirachta indica Acid media 84 [25]
Auforpio turkiale sap Acid media 69 [25]
Swertia angustifolia Acid media 75–96 [26]
A. indica Acid media 88–96 [27]
A. indica NaCl 86.1 [28]
Punica granatum NaCl 79.2 [28]
Momordica charantia NaCl 82.4 [28]
Pongamia glabra, Annona squamosa Acid media 89–95 [29]
Acacia arabica Acid media 93–97 [30]
Natural honey NaCl 82–91 [31]
Mimosa tannin Acid media 66–87 [32]
Vanillin Acid media 93–98 [33]
Dodecanohydrazide, cis-9-octadecanohydrazide and 10-
Acid media 85 [34]
undecanohydrazide derived from fatty acids
Herbs (thyme, coriander, hibiscus, anis, black cumin, and
Acid media 37–92 [35]
garden cress)
Allium cepa, Allium sativum, M. charantia Acid media 86–94 [36]
Guar gum Acid media 75–93.8 [37]
Zanthoxylum alatum Acid media 76–95 [38]
Nypa fructicans Acid media 75.11 [39]
Caffeine–Mn2+ Chloride ions 50 [40]
Eugenol from cloves 80
Acid media [41]
acetyleugeno 91
Ricinus communis leaves NaCl 43–84 [42]
Berberine extracted from Coptis chinensis Acid media 79.7 [43]
Halfabar Acid media 90.50 [44]
Chamomile Acid media 92.97 [44]
Black cumin Acid media 88.43 [44]
Kidney bean Acid media 88.43 [44]
Exudate gum from Pachylobus edulis Acid media 56 [45]
Artemisia pallens Acid media 93–98 [46]
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 866

Corrosive
Natural products IE (%) Ref.
environment
Oilfield 82.03
Tridax procumbens Chromolaena odorata [47]
environment 95.6
Corchorus olitorius Acid media 93 [48]

Green-based inhibitors that are nontoxic in nature, such as plant extracts, are in higher
demand compared to commercial inhibitors [49]. This is because plant extracts are green and
sustainable materials due to their natural and biological properties and can inhibit metals and
alloys from corroding [50]. The leaf, out of all parts of the plant, has the utmost preference
for its abundance of phytochemicals (active components) produced through synthesis, that
act similarly to commercial inhibitors. It is also vital to acknowledge that the extract of other
parts of a plant such as root, bark, flower, fruit, wood, seed and peel have contributed to the
inhibition efficiency [51–53]. Furthermore, phytochemical synthesis consumes carbon
dioxide, which is known as the highly poisonous greenhouse gas, to use in photosynthesis,
contributing to the green chemistry theory as well.
Green-based corrosion inhibitors can be divided into two classes: organic and inorganic
[54–56]. The organic class of green-based corrosion inhibitors consists of synthetic
substances that are nontoxic for the environment. Flavonoids, alkaloids, and byproducts of
plants are examples of organic inhibitors [57]. The inorganic class of inhibitors are vastly
utilized in aqueous systems due to their high productivity [58]. Chromates are toxic in nature
so the employment of this inorganic inhibitor for industrial use is limited. Concerning this
issue, lanthanide salts were studied as an eco-friendly inhibitor substitute [59].
Coumarins act as corrosion inhibitors due to the presence of an aromatic system and
heteroatoms, that are adsorbed on mild steel surface via ion pairs of electrons on
heteroatoms. This induces superior adsorption on the inhibitor molecules and excellent
inhibition efficiency in decreasing the corrosion rate [60]. Physisorption and/or
chemisorption are the mechanisms by which inhibitors are adsorbed on the surface of mild
steel and form a protective film barrier from acidic solutions [61]. There are certain ways to
protect a metal from corrosion such as coating, alloying, cathodic protection, and anodic
protection. Moreover, laser treatment of metal surface has recently been used for this purpose
as a way to improve the properties of metals like roughness, hardness, resistance to
corrosion, etc. Corrosion inhibitors are of considerable practical importance, as they are
extensively employed in reducing metal waste during production and in minimizing the risk
of material failure, both of which can result in a sudden shut-down of industrial processes,
which in turn leads to added costs. It is also important to use corrosion inhibitors to prevent
metal dissolution and minimize acid consumption. There are two kinds of corrosion
interaction according to the nature of corrosive environments: wet and dry corrosion. These
types of corrosion can be classified into: general corrosion; pitting corrosion; crevice
corrosion; intergranular corrosion [60–65]. Corrosion inhibitors are generally used in acid
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 867

environments. The process of selecting an appropriate corrosion inhibitor is one of the most
important issues to consider when working in an acid environment, and therefore the use of
organic compounds is of great importance [66]. The efficiency of organic compounds in
corrosive solutions is attributed to several factors, the most important of which are the
presence of functional groups and electron pairs in the phosphorus, sulfur, oxygen and
nitrogen atoms, in addition to the double and triple bonds, as well as aromatic rings. Small
amounts of corrosion inhibitors have the ability to block the corrosion sites and improve the
adsorption process on the mild steel surface, thus protecting the mild steel surface and
increasing its life time [67]. The degree of corrosion inhibition due to absorption depends on
the geometry of the particles and their size in addition to the vacuum impediment, and the
thermal stability of the inhibitor molecules [68–74]. Thus, inhibitor molecules improve mild
steel resistance to corrosive solutions by adsorbing on the metal surface and forming a barrier
that blocks the mild steel active sites. Inhibitor adsorption on mild steel is affected by the
nature of the mild steel, type of electrolyte and molecular structure of the inhibitor [75–87].

3.2. Synthetic corrosion inhibitors

Organic inhibitors containing heteroatoms, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, have
been confirmed experimentally and theoretically to act as efficient inhibitors in corrosive
environments. O, N, and S are the active centers for the process of adsorption on the metal
surface. The inhibition efficiency should follow the sequence O < N < S < P. The use of
organic compounds containing oxygen, sulphur, and especially nitrogen to reduce corrosion
attack on steel has been studied in some detail. The existing data show that most organic
inhibitors are adsorbed on the metal surface by displacing water molecules on the surface
and forming a compact barrier. The availability of nonbonded (lone pair) and p-electrons in
inhibitor molecules facilitate electron transfer from the inhibitor to the metal. A coordination
covalent bond involving transfer of electrons from inhibitor to the metal surface may be
formed. The strength of the chemisorption bond depends upon the electron density on the
donor atom of the functional group and also the polarizability of the group. Replacement of
an H atom attached to a C atom in the ring by a substituent group (–NH2, –NO2, –CHO, or
–COOH) improves inhibition [88]. The electron density in the metal at the point of
attachment changes resulting in retardation of cathodic or anodic reactions. Electrons are
consumed at the cathode and are furnished at the anode. Thus, corrosion is retarded. Straight
chain amines containing between three and fourteen carbons have been examined. Inhibition
increases with carbon number in the chain to about 10 carbons, but, with higher members,
little increase or decrease in the ability to inhibit corrosion occurs. This is attributed to the
decreasing solubility in aqueous solution with increasing length of the hydrocarbon chain.
However, the presence of a hydrophilic functional group in the molecule would increase the
solubility of the inhibitors.
The performance of an organic inhibitor is related to the chemical structure and
physicochemical properties of the compound like functional groups, electron density at the
donor atom, p-orbital character, and the electronic structure of the molecule.
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 868

The inhibition could be due to (i) adsorption of the its molecules or ions on anodic
and/or cathodic sites, (ii) increase in cathodic and/or anodic overvoltage, and (iii) the
formation of a protective barrier film. Some factors that contribute to the action of inhibitors
are (i) chain length, (ii) size of the molecule, (iii) bonding, aromatic/conjugate, (iv) strength
of bonding to the substrate, (v) cross-linking ability, and (vi) solubility in the environment.
The role of inhibitors is to form a barrier of one or more molecular layers against acid
attack. This protective action is often associated with chemical and/or physical adsorption
involving a variation in the charge of the adsorbed substance and charge transfer from one
phase to another. Sulphur and/or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds with various
substituents are considered to be effective corrosion inhibitors. Thiophene and hydrazine
derivatives offer special affinity to inhibit corrosion of metals in acid solutions. Inorganic
substances such as phosphates, chromates, dichromates, silicates, borates, tungstates,
molybdates, and arsenates have been found effective as inhibitors of metal corrosion. Pyrrole
and its derivatives are believed to exhibit good protection against corrosion in acidic media.
These inhibitors have also found useful application in the formulation of primers and
anticorrosive coatings, but a major disadvantage is their toxicity and as such their use has
come under severe criticism. Among the alternative corrosion inhibitors, organic substances
containing polar functions with nitrogen, sulphur, and/or oxygen in the conjugated system
have been reported to exhibit good inhibiting properties. The inhibitive characteristics of
such compounds derive from the adsorption ability of their molecules, with the polar group
acting as the reaction center for the adsorption process. The resulting adsorbed film acts as
a barrier that separates the metal from the corrodent, and the inhibition efficiency depends
on the mechanical, structural, and chemical characteristics of the adsorption layers formed
under particular conditions [89].

3.3. Coherent shock wave inhibitor:

One of the major advantages of the laser materials processing is the possibility of accurate
control of the area where laser radiation should be delivered, as well as the amount and rate
of energy deposition since laser beams can be easily directed to fatigue-critical areas without
masking. Only the amount of the laser beam energy that is absorbed by the material can
contribute to processes like heating and melting. The specific properties of laser beam that
enable and justify their use in such a wide spectrum of applications are: spatial and temporal
coherence (i.e. phase and amplitude are unique), low divergence (parallel to the optical axis),
high continuous or pulsed power density and monochromaticity [90, 91]. The laser-solid
interaction is a highly complex and interrelated process because of its dependence on laser
parameters such as power density, wavelength, pulse duration, and spot size, besides the
material’s physical properties, e.g., absorption properties, morphology, homogeneity,
melting and boiling points. The mechanisms involved in the laser-solid interaction have been
studied extensively, but they are still not fully understood. However it can be controlled and
highly reproducible to enable analytical measurement capabilities [92, 93]. Figures 1 and 2
represent SEM micrographs of St-37 surface corrosion with and without coherent shock
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 869

wave treatment. Results were obtained that the values of corrosion rate decreased after laser
shock. [94–99].

Figure 1. SEM micrograph of St-37 surface corrosion without coherent wave pulses.

Figure 2. SEM micrograph of St-37 surface corrosion with coherent wave pulses.

4. Mechanism of action
In general, the types of adsorption can be distinguished as physical adsorption mechanism
or chemical adsorption mechanism or mixed type mechanism depending on interactions
between metallic surface and heteroatoms and/or p-electrons of the inhibitor molecules
[100]. There are parameters which determine the mechanism type. These parameters related
to inhibitors include the chemical structure and charge distribution, and the other one is
related to the metal surface charge. In the physical adsorption mechanism, the charges on
organic inhibitor molecules bind with the electrically charged metal surface, whereas
chemical adsorption occurs through a chemical reaction between unshared free pairs of
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 870

electrons and an unoccupied d-orbital of the metal surface to produce coordination chemical
bonds [101]. The inhibition efficiency of organic inhibitor molecules is improved when one
of the hydrogen atoms at a carbon atom in the heterocyclic ring is substituted by aldehyde,
nitrosyl, carboxyl, or amino substituent groups [102]. Also, anodic or cathodic reactions are
retarded when electron density changes on the metal at the point of attachment [103].
In corrosion investigations, natural or organic inhibitors are added to corrosive
environments and metal or alloy samples are exposed to the corrosive environment for some
period. The metal mass loss and exposure time are used to calculate the corrosion rate. The
presence of an organic inhibitor in the acidic environment will reduce the metal mass loss,
thus reducing the corrosion rate. There are various models in research investigations which
demonstrate the mechanism of inhibitors’ action. In the best model which is well accepted
[104], the inhibitor molecules are adsorbed on the corroded surface of a metal; generally
adsorption ensures the removal of water molecules absorbed on the metal surface
(Equation 1).
Org(sol) + aH2O(ads) ↔ Org(ads) + aH2O(sol) (1)
Four basic absorption methods are related to inhibitor molecules on the metal surfaces:
physical adsorption (electrostatic adsorption), chemical absorption (formation of
coordination bonds between the metal surface in inhibitor molecules – organometallic
complexes). Moreover, the stability of the membranes/layer of the organic inhibitor
molecules adsorbed on the metallic surface depends on the active sites, aromatic rings,
potential steric hindrance, electron densities in inhibitor molecules, the type of acidic
solution, and the nature of interaction between a p-orbital and iron atoms d-orbital. The basic
information concerning the absorption mode of organic molecules on a metal surface can be
extracted from the adsorption isotherm. Various isotherms such as Langmuir (Equation 2),
Flory–Huggins (Equation 3), Temkin (Equation 4) and Freundlich (Equation 5) could
explain the anti-corrosion mechanism [105].
C 1
Langmuir isotherm: = +C (2)
θ K ads
C 
Flory–Huggins isotherm: log   = log( Kads ) + a log C (3)
θ
1
Temkin isotherm: θ = ln K adsC (4)
f
Freundlich isotherm: logθ = log( K ads ) + n log C (5)
where C is the concentration of the inhibitor, θ is the surface coverage degree, Kads is a
constant, f is the energetic parameter, and a is the water molecules on the surface of metal.
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 871

The adsorption of organic molecules on the metal surface is also affected by the
structure of inhibitor molecules, charge density on the metal surface and zero charge potency
of the metal.
Surface charge calculation provides insights into the nature of the metal/inhibitor
interaction. The surface charge is the locus of the Ecor corrosion potential with respect to the
zero charge potential (Eq). When the difference Er = Ecor – Eq = 0 is negative, where Er is the
probability of “rational” Antropov corrosion, the electrode surface has a net negative charge
and the cation adsorption is preferred, that is, the positive form of the inhibitor is absorbed
directly onto the steel by substituting a proton in a water molecule. Conversely, when Er
becomes positive, the anions are adsorbed and, therefore, the anions (Cl – or SO24− ) are
adsorbed on the metal surface, and then the interaction with a protonated inhibitor molecule
is expected. This condition favors the formation of a film that prevents the reaction between
the metal and the solution [106]. If Er is equal to zero, neither the cations nor the anions of
the solution interact with the metal; then the inhibitor molecule interacts through its electrons
with the unoccupied d-orbital of iron atoms.
Recently, the utilization of quantitative chemical techniques such as modified neglect
of diatomic overlap (MNDO), density-functional theory (DFT), Austin model (AM1),
parametric method (PM3) and many other studies have gained attention as powerful tools to
determine the basic parameters of adsorption and corrosion prevention mechanisms.
Quantum parameters such as the boundary orbital energy of HOMO (highest occupied
molecular orbital) and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), Mulliken charges,
ionization energy, electron affinity, stiffness, electrical endurance index, back bond, and
inhibitor electrostatic voltage map are generators for studying corrosion [107]. But
nowadays, both ab initio and DFT have become attractive theoretical methods since they
provide accurate fundamental parameters even for massive complex particles (multi-electron
systems). In the ab initio computation, HF, the average Coulombian repulsion between
electron and electron is considered for further determination of quantum parameters. DFT
uses electronic density as the base parameter instead of the electronic wave function. Using
complex computational tools and some basics, the HSAB concept (the exact nature of
interactions between a metal surface and an organic molecule depends on the relative
coordination strength towards the metal, and for specific groups present in the molecule)
provides a systematic method for analyzing a metal inhibitor/reaction. Thus, it is possible to
ascertain a suitable inhibition mechanism. These techniques that support electrochemical
studies help us to understand the mechanism of the inhibitor molecule reaction [108].
(A) Forces of electrostatic attraction between the charged particles of the inhibitor and the
metal surface,
(B) Interaction of unpaired electron pairs in the molecule with the metal,
(C) The interaction of electrons of double bonds with the metal surface,
(D) A combination of (A) and (C).
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 872

The inhibitor molecules have the ability to block the anodic and/or cathodic site which
prevent the metal dissolution or hydrogen evolution reactions. The postulated mechanism is
that corrosion occurs through the metal dissolution and hydrogen evolution [109].
The dissolution of metals occurs according to equations (6–9).
Fe + Cl– → (FeCl–)ads (6)
(FeCl–)ads → (FeCl)ads + e– (7)
(FeCl)ads + e– → FeCl+ + e– (8)
FeCl+ + e– → Fe++ + Cl– (9)
Cathodic evolution hydrogen can occur according to equations (10–12).
Fe + H+ → (FeH+)ads (10)
(FeH+)ads + e– → (FeH)ads (11)
(FeH)ads + H+ + e– → Fe + H2 (12)
Anodes and cathodes are the two corrosion cells generally used to demonstrate the
transfer of charges between iron and electrolyte as well as within iron itself. The presence of
charged ions in the electrolyte causes the solution to become electrically conductive. During
the corrosion process, the metal ions move from the active site (anode) into the solution and
pass the electrons from the metal at the lower active site (cathode) to an acceptor. Electron
acceptors like oxygen, oxidizing agents, or hydrogen ions are required for the cathodic
process to take place. Equation (13) represents the general chemical corrosion reaction in
the presence of oxygen in moist air. Figure 3 signifies the basic electrochemical cell built
using the anode and cathode cells partially immersed into an electrolyte. The anode cell
experiences rusting during the oxidation process, whereas the cathode cell reduces but does
not rust. In the production of oil and gas, Fe2+ ions are produced at the anode when iron from
steel is driven into the solution. These ions react with oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, or carbon
dioxide to form decay yields as presented below. The additional electrons change from the
anode to the cathode where hydroxyl ions are produced by reducing water. The hydrogen
ions are converted to hydrogen gas by the electrons if oxygen does not exist at the cathode.
The anodic and cathodic positions are regions on the outer surface of the metal that vary in
electric potential. Due to the occurrence of salts, the electrolyte is normally formed from
water to become conductive [110].
The chemical reaction of corrosion is given as follows:
4Fe + 3O2 = 2Fe2O3 (13)
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 873

Figure 3. Electrochemical cell [111].

The mechanism of action of organic corrosion inhibitors is based on the adsorption on

the surface to form protective films which displace water from the metal surface and protect
it against deteriorating. This process is not either purely physical or purely chemical
adsorption. Adsorption is influenced by the chemical structure of organic inhibitors, nature
and surface charge, the distribution of charge in the molecule and type of aggressive media
(pH and/or electrode potential). Physical adsorption is based on electrostatic interaction
between the charged metal surface and charged inhibitor molecule. Chemical adsorption is
connected with the donor-acceptor interactions between free electron pairs and vacant, low
energy d-orbital of metal (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Schematic diagram representing the adsorption mechanism of inhibitor molecules

on mild steel surface [109].

Effective organic corrosion inhibitors should contain heteroatoms (nitrogen, oxygen,

sulfur and phosphorus) with lone electron pairs and a moiety with π-electrons (aromatic rings
and multiple bonds) that can interact with free d orbital of the metal, favoring the adsorption
process [112].
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 874

The standard adsorption free energy ( Gads 0

) gives information about the type of
adsorption. Values up to −20 kJ/mol are connected with the electrostatic interaction
(physical adsorption). More negative values, below −40 kJ/mol, correspond to a
chemisorption process. Negative values mean that both processes are spontaneous. Also the
standard enthalpy of adsorption provides valuable information about the mechanism of
corrosion inhibition. An endothermic adsorption process ( H ads 0
> 0) is attributed to
chemisorption, whereas an exothermic adsorption ( H ads < 0) is connected to physical or
0

physical/chemical adsorption processes. The presence of heteroatoms with lone pair of

electrons like nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or phosphorus as well as π-electrons of multiple bonds
or aromatic rings enhance adsorption phenomena [113]. Chemisorption involves transfer or
sharing of unbonded electrons between the inhibitor molecule and the metal surface [114].
The inhibitor is chemically adsorbed on the metal surface and forms a protective thin
film or chemical bonds form by reaction a between the inhibitor and the metal. The
adsorption mechanism of organic inhibitors can occur via one of these routes:
1st, charged molecules and a metal are attracted electrostatically.
2nd, interaction between unpaired electrons and the metal surface.
3rd, interaction between π-electrons and the metal surface.
Organic inhibitors protect the metal surface by blocking cathodic or anodic reactions
or both and forming insoluble complexes. The inhibition efficiency of a corrosion inhibitor
against corrosion of mild steel in a corrosive environment can be explained according to the
number of adsorption sites, charge density, molecular size, mode of interaction with the
metal surface and ability to form an insoluble metal complex. Figure 5 is an example of the
bonding between inhibitor molecules and mild steel surface. The π electrons of the double
bonds and the free electrons on the oxygen and nitrogen atoms form chemical bonds with
the metal surface as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. The mechanism of action of an organic inhibitor molecule as a corrosion inhibitor.

 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 875

Conclusion
Current work includes a study of organic corrosion inhibitors. It defines metal corrosion as
the spontaneous destruction of metals through chemical and electrochemical interactions
with the surrounding environment. Thus, this is exactly the opposite of extracting metals
from ores. In most environments, metals are not inherently stable, but they do tend to revert
to more stable compounds, a process called corrosion. Corrosion is also defined as a
deterioration in the intrinsic properties of a substance as a result of its interaction with one
of the components of the environment, as most of the corrosion phenomena that occur are
mainly electrochemical in nature and involve the presence of metal contact with the
electrolyte and transfer of free valence electrons. A popular example of metal corrosion is
iron rust. Corrosion is one of the problems that pose a serious threat to many industries due
to the damage it causes to metal parts, especially those made of steel. Therefore, the present
work represents a study on organic inhibitors and their importance, as well as a review of
some organic corrosion inhibitors.

Funding
This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) for support.

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
1. N. Thompson, M. Yunovich and D. Dunmire, Cost of corrosion and corrosion
maintenance strategies, Corros. Rev., 2007, 25, 247–262. doi:
10.1515/CORRREV.2007.25.3-4.247
2. D. Mahmood, A.K. Al-Okbi, M.M. Hanon, K.S. Rida, A.F. Alkaim, A.A. Al-Amiery,
A. Kadhum and A.A.H. Kadhum, Carbethoxythiazole corrosion inhibitor: as an
experimentally model and DFT theory, J. Eng. Appl. Sci. (Faisalabad, Pak.), 2018, 13,
3952–3959. doi: 10.3923/jeasci.2018.3952.3959
3. A. Kadhim, E.T. Salim, S.M. Fayadh, A.A. Al-Amiery, A.A.H. Kadhum and
A. Mohamad, Effect of Multipath Laser Shock Processing on Microhardness, Surface
Roughness And Wear Resistance of 2024-T3 Al Alloy, Sci. World J., 2014, 1–6. doi:
10.1155/2014/490951
4. A. Alobaidy, A. Kadhum, S. Al-Baghdadi, A. Al-Amiery, A. Kadhum, E. Yousif and
A.B. Mohamad, Eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor: experimental studies on the corrosion
inhibition performance of creatinine for mild steel in HCl complemented with quantum
chemical calculations, Int. J. Electrochem. Sci., 2015, 10, 3961–3972.
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 876

5. S. Junaedi, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.A. Al-Amiery, A.B. Mohamad and M.S. Takriff,
Synthesis and characterization of novel corrosion inhibitor derived from oleic acid: 2-
Amino 5-Oleyl-1,3,4-Thiadiazol (AOT), Int. J. Electrochem. Sci., 2012, 7, no. 4, 3543–
3554.
6. A.Y.I. Rubaye, K.S. Rida, A.Q. Salam and A. Al-Amiery, Acetamidocoumarin as a
based eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor, Int. J. ChemTech Res., 2016, 9, 39–47.
7. H.J. Habeeb, H.M. Luaibi, T.A. Abdullah, R.M. Dakhil, A.A.H. Kadhum and A.A. Al-
Amiery, Case study on thermal impact of novel corrosion inhibitor on mild steel, Case
Stud. Therm. Eng., 2018, 12, 64–68. doi: 10.1016/j.csite.2018.03.005
8. S.S. Al-Taweel, K.W.S. Al-Janabi, H.M. Luaibi, A.A. Al-Amiery and T.S. Gaaz,
Evaluation and characterization of the symbiotic effect of benzylidene derivative with
titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the inhibition of the chemical corrosion of mild steel,
Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2019, 8, no. 4, 1149–1169. doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2019-
8-4-21
9. F. Mansfeld, Use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the study of corrosion
protection by polymer coatings, J. Appl. Electrochem., 1995, 25, 187–202. doi:
10.1007/bf00262955
10. A. Kahyarian, A. Schumaker, B. Brown and S. Nesic, Acidic corrosion of mild steel in
the presence of acetic acid: Mechanism and prediction, Electrochim. Acta, 2017, 258,
639–652. doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.11.109
11. H.R. Obayes, A.A. Al-Amiery, G.H. Alwan, T.A. Abdullah, A.A.H. Kadhum and
A.B. Mohamad, Sulphonamides as corrosion inhibitor: Experimental and DFT studies,
J. Mol. Struct., 2017, 1138, 1–9. doi: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2017.02.100
12. D.M. Jamil, A.K. Al-Okbi, S.B. Al-Baghdadi, A.A. Al-Amiery, A. Kadhim, T.S. Gaaz,
A.A.H. Kadhum and A.B. Mohamad, Experimental and theoretical studies of Schiff
bases as corrosion inhibitors, Chem. Cent. J., 2018, 12, no. 1, 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s13065-
018-0376-7
13. M.H.O. Ahmed, A.A. Al-Amiery, Y.K. Al-Majedy, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.B. Mohamad,
and T.S. Gaaz, Synthesis and characterization of a novel organic corrosion inhibitor for
mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid, Results Phys., 2018, 8, 728–733. doi:
10.1016/j.rinp.2017.12.039
14. T.A. Salman, D.S. Zinad, S.H. Jaber, M. Al-Ghezi, A. Mahal, M.S. Takriff and A.A. Al-
Amiery, Effect of 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Scaffold on the Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel
in Acidic Medium: An Experimental and Computational Study, J. Bio- Tribo-Corros.,
2019, 5, no. 2, 1–11. doi: 10.1007/s40735-019-0243-7
15. O.K. Abiola, N.C. Oforka, E.E. Ebenso, and N.M. Nwinuka, Eco- friendly corrosion
inhibitors the inhibitive action of Delonuix regia extract for the corrosion of aluminum
in acidic media, Anti-Corros. Methods Mater., 2007, 54, 219–224. doi:
10.1108/00035590710762357
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 877

16. H.J. Habeeb, H.M. Luaibi, R.M. Dakhil, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.A. Al-Amiery and
T.S. Gaaz, Development of new corrosion inhibitor tested on mild steel supported by
electrochemical study, Results Phys., 2018, 8, 1260–1267. doi:
10.1016/j.rinp.2018.02.015
17. D.A. Williams, P.K. Holifield, J.R. Looney and L.A. McDougall, Method of Inhibiting
Corrosion in Acidizing Wells, in: US Patent 5,200,096, Exxon Chemicals Patents, Inc.,
Linden, N.J., 1993.
18. D.A. Williams, P.K. Holifield, J.R. Looney and L.A. McDougall, Inhibited Acid System
for Acidizing Wells, in: US Patent 5,209,859, Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc., Linden, N.J.,
1993.
19. D.A. Williams, P.K. Holifield, J.R. Looney and L.A. McDougall, Corrosion Inhibitor
and Method of Use, in: US Patent 5,002,673, Exxon Chemical Patents Inc., Linden, N.J.,
1991.
20. E. Barmatov, J. Geddes, T. Hughes and M. Nagl, Research on corrosion inhibitors for
acid stimulation, NACE Int., 2012, 2012-0001573.
21. M.A. Quraishi and D. Jamal, Corrosion inhibition of N-80 steel and mild steel in 15%
boiling hydrochloric acid by a triazole compound – SAHMT, Mater. Chem. Phys., 2001,
68, 283–287. doi: 10.1016/S0254-0584(00)00369-2
22. G. Schmitt, Application of inhibitors for acid media, Br. Corros. J., 1984, 19, 165–176.
doi: 10.1179/000705984798273100
23. S. Sığırcık, T. Tüken and M. Erbil, Assessment of the inhibition efficiency of 3,4-
diaminobenzonitrile against the corrosion of steel, Corros. Sci., 2016, 102, 437–445.
doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2015.10.036
24. K. Srivastav and P. Srivastava, Studies on plant materials as corrosion inhibitors, Br.
Corros. J., 1981, 16, no. 4, 221–223. doi: 10.1179/000705981798274788
25. F. Zucchi and I. Omar, Plant extracts as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in HCl
solutions, Surf. Technol., 1985, 24, 391–399. doi: 10.1016/0376-4583(85)90057-3
26. S. Zakvi and G. Mehta, Acid corrosion of mild steel and its inhibition by Swertia
angustifolia – study by electrochemical techniques, Trans. SAEST, 1988, 23, 407–410.
27. U. Ekpe, E. Ebenso and U. Ibok, Inhibitory action of Azadirachta indica leaves extract
on the corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4, West Afr. J. Biol. Appl. Chem., 1994, 37, 13–
30.
28. M. Quraishi, I. Farooqi and P. Saini, Investigation of some green compounds as
corrosion and scale inhibitors for cooling systems, Corrosion, 1999, 55, 493–497. doi:
10.5006/1.3284011
29. P. Sakthivel, P. Nirmala, S. Umamaheswari, A. Antony, G. Kalaignan, A. Gopalan and
T. Vasudevan, Corrosion inhibition of mild steel by extracts of Pongamia glabra and
Annona squamosa in acidic media, Bull. Electrochem., 1999, 15, 83–86.
30. S. Verma and G. Mehta, Effect of acid extracts of Acacia arabica on acid corrosion of
mild steel, Bull. Electrochem., 1999, 15, 67–70.
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 878

31. A. El-Etre and M. Abdallah, Natural honey as corrosion inhibitor for metals and alloys.
II. C-steel in high saline water, Corros. Sci., 2000, 42, 731–738. doi: 10.1016/S0010-
938X(99)00106-7
32. S. Martinez and I. Štern, Inhibitory mechanism of low-carbon steel corrosion by mimosa
tannin in sulphuric acid solutions, J. Appl. Electrochem., 2001, 31, 973–978. doi:
10.1023/A:1017989510605
33. A. El-Etre, Inhibition of acid corrosion of aluminum using vaniline, Corros. Sci., 2001,
43, 1031–1039. doi: 10.1016/S0010-938X(00)00127-X
34. M. Quraishi and D. Jamal, Approach to corrosion inhibition by some green inhibitors
based on oleochemicals, Bull. Electrochem., 2002, 18, 289–294.
35. E. Khamis and N. Alandis, Herbs as new type of green inhibitors for acidic corrosion of
steel, Materialwiss. Werkstofftech., 2002, 33, 550–554. doi: 10.1002/1521-
4052(200209)33:9<550::AID-MAWE550>3.0.CO;2-G
36. K. Parikh and K. Joshi, Natural compounds onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum)
and bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in
hydrochloric acid, Trans. SAEST, 2004, 39, 29–35.
37. M. Abdallah, Guar gum as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in sulfuric acid solutions,
Port. Electrochim. Acta. 2004, 22, 161–175. doi: 10.4152/pea.200402161
38. G. Gunasekaran and L. Chauhan, Eco friendly inhibitor for corrosion inhibition of mild
steel in phosphoric acid medium, Electrochim. Acta, 2004, 49, 4387–4395. doi:
10.1016/j.electacta.2004.04.030
39. K. Orubite and N. Oforka, Inhibition of the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid
solutions by the extracts of leaves of Nypa fruticans Wurmb., Mater. Lett., 2004, 58,
1768–1772. doi: 10.1016/j.matlet.2003.11.030
40. N. Anthon, E. Malarvizhi, P. Maheshwari, S. Rajendran and N. Palaniswamy, Corrosion
inhibition of caffein – Mn2+ system, Indian J. Chem. Technol., 2004, 11, 346–350.
41. E. Chaieb, A. Bouyanzer, B. Hammouti and M. Benkaddour, Inhibition of the corrosion
of steel in 1 M HCl by eugenol derivatives, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2005, 246, 199–206. doi:
10.1016/j.apsusc.2004.11.011
42. R. Sathiyanathan, S. Maruthamuthu, M. Selvanayagam, S. Mohanan and
N. Palaniswamy, Corrosion inhibition of mild steel by ethanolic extracts of Ricinus
communis leaves, Indian J. Chem. Technol., 2005, 12, 356–360.
43. Y. Li, P. Zhao, Q. Liang and B. Hou, Berberine as a natural source inhibitor for mild
steel in 1 M H2SO4, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2005, 252, 1245–1253. doi:
10.1016/j.apsusc.2005.02.094
44. A. Abdel-Gaber, B. Abd-El-Nabey, I. Sidahmed, A. El-Zayady and M, Saadawy,
Inhibitive action of some plant extracts on the corrosion of steel in acidic media, Corros.
Sci., 2006, 48, 2765–2779. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2005.09.017
45. S. Umoren and U. Ekanem, Inhibition of mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 using exudate
gum from Pachylobus edulis and synergistic potassium halide additives, Chem. Eng.
Commun., 2010, 197, 1339–1356. doi: 10.1080/00986441003626086
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 879

46. S. Garai, P. Jaisankar, J. Singh and A. Elango, Comprehensive study on crude

methanolic extract of Artemisia pallens (Asteraceae) and its active component as
effective corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in acid solution, Corros. Sci., 2012, 60, 193–
204. doi: 10.1016/j.corsci.2012.03.036
47. S. Aribo, S. Olusegun, L. Ibhadiyi, A. Oyetunji and D. Folorunso, Green inhibitors for
corrosion protection in acidizing oilfield environment, J. Assoc. Arab Univ. Basic Appl.
Sci., 2017, 24, 34–38. doi: 10.1016/j.jaubas.2016.08.001
48. M. Gobara, B. Zaghloul, A. Baraka, M. Elsayed, M. Zorainy, M.M. Kotb and
H. Elnabarawy, Green corrosion inhibition of mild steel to aqueous sulfuric acid by the
extract of Corchorus olitorius stems, Mater. Res. Express, 2017, 4, 046504. doi:
10.1088/2053-1591/aa664a
49. N. Negm, N. Kandile, I. Aiad and M. Mohammad, New eco-friendly cationic surfactants
synthesis, characterization and applicability as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in
1 M HCl, Colloids Surf., A, 2011, 391, 224–233. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2011.09.032
50. F. Chemat, M. Vian and G. Cravotto, Green extraction of natural products: Concept and
principles, Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2012, 13, 8615–8627. doi: 10.3390/ijms13078615
51. A. El-Etre, Inhibition of C-steel corrosion in acidic solution using the aqueous extract of
zallouh root, Mater. Chem. Phys., 2008, 108, 278–282. doi:
10.1016/j.matchemphys.2007.09.037
52. G. Ji, P. Dwivedi, S. Sundaram and R. Prakash, Inhibitive effect of Chlorophytum
borivilianum root extract on mild steel corrosion in HCl and H 2SO4 solutions, Ind. Eng.
Chem. Res., 2013, 52, 10673–10681. doi: 10.1021/ie4008387
53. G. Ji, P. Dwivedi, S. Sundaram and R. Prakash, Aqueous extract of Argemone Mexicana
roots for effective protection of mild steel in an HCl environment, Res. Chem. Intermed.,
2016, 42, 439–459. doi: 10.1007/s11164-015-2029-y
54. Z. Aida, A. Razika, M. Laid, B. Kamel and S. Boualem, Inhibition of acid corrosion of
mild steel by aqueous nettle extracts, Pigm. Resin Technol., 2014, 43, 127–138. doi:
10.1108/PRT-11-2012-0078
55. K. Devarayan, G. Mayakrishnan and N. Sulochana, Green inhibitors for corrosion of
metals: A review, Chem. Sci. Rev. Lett., 2012, 1, 1–8.
56. A.K. Khudhair, A.M. Mustafa, M.M. Hanoon, A. Al-Amiery, L. M.Shaker, T. Gazz,
A.B. Mohamad, A.H. Kadhum and M.S. Takriff, Experimental and Theoretical
Investigation on the Corrosion Inhibitor Potential of N-MEH for Mild Steel in
HCl, Prog. Color Colorants Coat., 2022, 15, 111–122.
57. E. McCafferty, Thermodynamic aspects of the crevice corrosion of iron in
chromate/chloride solutions, J. Electrochem. Soc., 1979, 126, 391–401. doi:
10.1016/0010-938X(89)90094-2
58. M. Bethencourt, F. Botana, J. Calvino, M. Marcos and M. Rodriguez-Chacon,
Lanthanide compounds as environmentally-friendly corrosion inhibitors of aluminium
alloys: A review, Corros. Sci., 1998, 40, 1803–1819. doi: 10.1016/S0010-
938X(98)00077-8
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 880

59. L. Michodjehoun-Mestres, S. Jean-Marc, H. Fulcrand, C. Bouchut, M. Reynes and

B. Jean-Marc, Characterisation of highly polymerised prodelphinidins from skin and
flesh of four cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) genotypes, Food Chem., 2009,
114, 989–995. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.10.052
60. D.S. Zinad, Q.A. Jawad, M.A.M. Hussain, A. Mahal, L. Mohamed, and A.A. Al-
Amiery, Adsorption, temperature and corrosion inhibition studies of a coumarin
derivatives corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic medium: Gravimetric and
theoretical investigations, Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2020, 9, no. 1, 134–151. doi:
10.17675/2305-6894-2020-9-1-8
61. F.G. Hashime, T.A. Salman, S.B. Al-Baghdadis, T. Gaaz and A.A. Al-Amiery,
Inhibition Effect of Hydrazine-Derived Coumarin on a Mild Steel Surface in
Hydrochloric acid, TRIBOLOGIA Finnish J. Tribol., 2020, 37, 3–4. doi:
10.30678/fjt.95510
62. J.M. Al-Zzyadi, A.A. Kadhim and K. Yao, Electronic and magnetic properties of the
(001) surface of the CoNbMnSi Heusler alloy: First-principles calculations, J. Electron
Spectrosc. Relat. Phenom., 2018, 226, 17–21. doi: 10.1016/j.elspec.2018.04.005
63. D.A. Mohammed, M.A. Fakhri and A. Kadhim, Reduction the Corrosion Rate of 304
Stainless Steel using Pulsed Laser Shock Penning Method, IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci.
Eng., 2018, 454, 012162. doi: 10.1088/1757-899X/454/1/012162
64. J.M. Al-Zyadi, A.A. Kadhim and K.-L. Yao, Half-metallicity of the (001), (111) and
(110) surfaces of CoRuMnSi and interface half-metallicity of CoRuMnSi/CdS, RSC
Adv., 2018, 8, 25653–25663. doi: 10.1039/C8RA02918K
65. R.H. Abass, A.M. Haleem, M.K. Hamid, A. Kadhim and R.S. Jawad, Antimicrobial
Activity of TiO2 NPs against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus
ATCC 25923, Int. J. Comp. Appl. Sci. IJOCAAS, 2017, 2, 6–10.
66. A. Kadhim, R.S. Jawad, N.H. Numan and R.J. Al-Azawi, Determination the wear rate
by using XRF technique for Kovar alloy under lubricated condition, Int. J. Comp. Appl.
Sci. IJOCAAS, 2, 1–5
67. T.K. Abed, R.S. Jawad, A. Kadhim and S.M. Fayadh, Improvement of the fatigue
resistance and increase its life of specimen of naval brass alloy using laser shock wave
processing, J. Nanosci. Technol., 2016, 2, 69–72.
68. A.M. Resen, M. Hanoon, R.D. Salim, A.A. Al-Amiery, L.M. Shaker and
A.A.H. Kadhum, Gravimetrical, theoretical, and surface morphological investigations of
corrosion inhibition effect of 4-(benzoimidazole-2-yl) pyridine on mild steel in
hydrochloric acid, Koroze Ochr. Mater., 2020, 64, no. 4, 122–130. doi: 10.2478/kom-
2020-0018
69. D.S. Zinad, M. Hanoon, R.D. Salim, S.I. Ibrahim, A.A. Al-Amiery, M.S. Takriff and
A.A.H. Kadhum, A new synthesized coumarin-derived Schiff base as a corrosion
inhibitor of mild steel surface in hcl medium: Gravimetric and DFT studies, Int. J.
Corros. Scale Inhib., 2020, 9, no. 1, 228–243. doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2020-9-1-14
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 881

70. S.B. Al-Baghdadi, A.A. Al-Amiery, T.S. Gaaz and A.H. Kadhum, Terephthalohydrazide
and isophthalohydrazide as new corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in hydrochloric acid:
Experimental and theoretical approaches, Koroze Ochr. Mater., 2021, 65, no. 1, 12–22.
doi: 10.2478/kom-2021-0002
71. W.M. Shakier, A. Kadhim and A.Z. Mohammed, Corrosion inhibitor for St-37 Alloy by
Laser Shoch Peenine, J. Adv. Electrochem., 2016, 2, 56–59.
72. A.A. Al-Amiery, A.H. Kadhum, A. Kadihum, A.B. Mohamad, C.K. How and
S. Junaedi, Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Sulfuric Acid Solution by New Schiff
Base, Materials, 2014, 7, 787–804. doi: 10.3390/ma7020787
73. D.A. Mohammed, A. Kadhim and M.A. Fakhri, The enhancement of the corrosion
protection of 304 stainless steel using Al2O3 films by PLD method, AIP Conf. Proc.,
2018, 2045, 020014. doi: 10.1063/1.5080827
74. A.A. Al-Amiery, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.B. Mohamad and S. Junaedi, A novel
hydrazinecarbothioamide as a potential corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in HCl,
Materials, 2013, 6, no. 4, 1420–1431. doi: 10.3390/ma6041420
75. A.A. Al-Amiery, A.A.H. Kadhum, A. Kadihum, A.B. Mohamad, C.K. How and
S. Junaedi, Inhibition of mild steel corrosion in sulfuric acid solution by new Schiff base,
Materials, 2014, 7, no. 2, 787–804. doi: 10.3390/ma7020787
76. A.B. Mohamad, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.A. Al-Amiery, L.C. Ying and A.Y. Musa,
Synergistic of a coumarin derivative with potassium iodide on the corrosion inhibition
of aluminum alloy in 1.0 M H2SO4, Met. Mater. Int., 2014, 20, 459–467. doi:
10.1007/s12540-014-3008-3
77. A.A. Al-Amiery, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.B. Mohamad, A.Y. Musa and C.J. Li,
Electrochemical study on newly synthesized chlorocurcumin as an inhibitor for mild
steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid, Materials, 2013, 6, no. 12, 5466–5477. doi:
10.3390/ma6125466
78. E. Yousif, Y.F. Win, A.H. Al-Hamadani, A. Al-Amiery, A.A.H. Kadhum and
A.B. Mohamad, Furosemide as an environmental-friendly inhibitor of corrosion of zinc
metal in acid medium: Experimental and theoretical studies, Int. J. Electrochem. Sci.,
2015, 10, 1708–1718.
79. S.B. Al-Baghdadi, F.T.M. Noori, W.K. Ahmed and A.A. Al-Amiery, Thiadiazole as a
potential corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl, J. Adv. Electrochem., 2016, 2,
67–69.
80. M.H.O. Ahmed, A.A. Al-Amiery, Y.K. Al-Majedy, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.B. Mohamad
and T.S. Gaaz, Synthesis and characterization of a novel organic corrosion inhibitor for
mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid, Results Phys., 2018, 8, 728–733. doi:
10.1016/j.rinp.2017.12.039
81. S. Ahmed, W. Ali and A. Khadom, Synthesis and investigations of heterocyclic
compounds as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in hydrochloric acid, Int. J. Ind. Chem.,
2019, 10, 159–173. 10.1007/s40090-019-0181-8
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 882

82. A.A. Al-Amiery, F.A.B. Kassim, A.A.H. Kadhum and A.B. Mohamad, Synthesis and
characterization of a novel eco-friendly corrosion inhibition for mild steel in 1 M
hydrochloric acid, Sci. Rep., 2016, 6, 19890. doi: 10.1038/srep19890
83. A.A.H. Kadhum, A.B. Mohamad, L.A. Hammed, A.A. Al-Amiery, N.H. San and
A.Y. Musa, Inhibition of mild steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid solution by new
coumarin, Materials, 2014, 7, no. 6, 4335–4348. doi: 10.3390/ma7064335
84. K. Al-Azawi, S. Al-Baghdadi, A. Mohamed, A.A. Al-Amiery, T.K. Abed,
S.A. Mohammed, A.H. Kadhum and A. Mohamad, Synthesis, inhibition effects and
quantum chemical studies of a novel coumarin derivative on the corrosion of mild steel
in a hydrochloric acid solution, Chem. Cent. J., 2016, 10, 23. doi: 10.1186/s13065-016-
0170-3
85. A.A. Al-Amiery, Y.K. Al-Majedy, A.A.H. Kadhum and A.B. Mohamad, New coumarin
derivative as an eco-friendly inhibitor of corrosion of mild steel in acid medium,
Molecules, 2015, 20, no. 1, 366–383. doi: 10.3390/molecules20010366
86. A.A. Al-Amiery, Coumarin-3-Amine as New Corrosion Inhibitor, Preprints, 2017,
2017070096. doi: 10.20944/preprints201707.0096.v1
87. S.B. Al-Baghdadi, F.G. Hashim, A.Q. Salam, T.K. Abed, T.S. Gaaz, A.A. Al-Amiery,
A.A.H. Kadhum, K.S. Reda and W.K. Ahmed, Synthesis and corrosion inhibition
application of NATN on mild steel surface in acidic media complemented with DFT
studies, Results Phys., 2018, 8, 1178–1184. doi: 10.1016/j.rinp.2018.02.007
88. U.R. Evans, The Corrosion and Oxidation of Metals, Hodder Arnold, 1976.
89. B.E.A. Rani and B.B.J. Basu, Green Inhibitors for Corrosion Protection of Metals and
Alloys: An Overview, Int. J. Corros., 2012, 380217, 1–15. doi: 10.1155/2012/380217
90. G. Zhang and C.B. Musgrave, Comparison of DFT methods for molecular orbital
eigenvalue calculations, J. Phys. Chem. A, 2007, 111, no. 8, 1554–1561. doi:
10.1021/jp061633o
91. G. Bereket, E. Hur, and C. Ogretir, Quantum chemical studies on some imidazole
derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for iron in acidic medium, J. Mol. Struct.:
THEOCHEM, 2002, 578, 79–88. doi: 10.1016/S0166-1280(01)00684-4
92. J. Vosta and J. Eliasek, Study on corrosion inhibition from aspect of quantum chemistry,
Corros. Sci., 1971, 11, 223–229. doi: 10.1016/S0010-938X(71)80137-3
93. A. Alamiery, L.M. Shaker, T. Allami, A.H. Kadhum and M.S. Takriff, A study of acidic
corrosion behavior of Furan-Derived schiff base for mild steel in hydrochloric acid
environment: Experimental, and surface investigation, Mater. Today: Proc., 2021, 44,
2337-2341. doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.12.431
94. S. Xia, M. Qiu, L. Yu, F. Liu and H. Zhao, Molecular dynamics and density functional
theory study on relationship between structure of imidazoline derivatives and inhibition
performance, Corros. Sci., 2008, 50, no. 7, 2021–2029. doi:
10.1016/j.corsci.2008.04.021
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 883

95. F. Kandemirli and S. Sagdinc, Theoretical study of corrosion inhibition of amides and
thiosemicarbazones, Corros. Sci., 2007, 49, no. 5, 2118–2130. doi:
10.1016/j.corsci.2006.10.026
96. C.D. Taylor, R.G. Kelly and M. Neurock, A first-principles analysis of the
chemisorption of hydroxide on copper under electrochemical conditions: a probe of the
electronic interactions that control chemisorption at the electrochemical interface, J.
Electroanal. Chem., 2007, 607, 1–2, 167–174. doi: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2007.04.004
97. D. Wang, S. Li, Y. Ying, M. Wang, H. Xiao and Z. Chen, Theoretical and experimental
studies of structure and inhibition efficiency of imidazoline derivatives, Corros. Sci.,
1999, 41, no. 10, 1911–1919. doi: 10.1016/S0010-938X(99)00027-X
98. J. Bartley, N. Huynh, S.E. Bottle, H. Flitt, T. Notoya and D.P. Schweinsberg, Computer
simulation of the corrosion inhibition of copper in acidic solution by alkyl esters of 5-
carboxybenzotriazole, Corros. Sci., 2003, 45, no. 1, 81–96. doi: 10.1016/S0010-
938X(02)00051-3
99. E.E. Oguzie, S.G. Wang, Y. Li and F.H. Wang, Influence of iron microstructure on
corrosion inhibitor performance in acidic media, J. Phys. Chem. C, 2009, 113, no. 19,
8420–8429. doi: 10.1021/jp9015257
100. A. Kadhim, A.K. Al-Okbi, D.M. Jamil, A. Qussay, A.A. Al-Amiery, T.S. Gaaz,
A.A.H. Kadhum, A.B. Mohamad and M.H. Nassir, Experimental and theoretical studies
of benzoxazines corrosion inhibitors, Results Phys., 2017, 7, 4013–4019. doi:
10.1016/j.rinp.2017.10.027
101. D. Liu, Y.B. Qiu, Y. Tomoe, K. Bando and X.P. Guo, Interaction of inhibitors with
corrosion scale formed on N80 steel in CO2-saturated NaCl solution, Mater. Corros.,
2011, 62, 1153–1158. doi: 10.1002/maco.201106075
102. E. Barmatov, T. Hughes and M. Nagl, NACE Int., 2015, 5893, 1–14.
103. Y.P. Khodyrev, E. Batyeva, E. Badeeva, E. Platova, L. Tiwari and O. Sinyashin, The
inhibition action of ammonium salts of O,O′-dialkyldithiophosphoric acid on carbon
dioxide corrosion of mild steel, Corros. Sci., 2011, 53, 976–983. doi:
10.1016/j.corsci.2010.11.030
104. A.A. Al-Amiery and L.M. Shaker, Corrosion inhibition of mild steel using novel
pyridine derivative in 1 M hydrochloric acid, Koroze Ochr. Mater., 2020, 64, no. 2, 59–
64. doi: 10.2478/kom-2020-0009
105. A.A. Al-Amiery, A.A.H. Kadhum, A.H.M. Alobaidy, A.B. Mohamad and P.S. Hoon,
Novel corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in HCl, Materials, 2014, 7, no. 2, 662–672. doi:
10.3390/ma7020662
106. K.F. Al-Azawi, I.M. Mohammed, S.B. Al-Baghdadi, T.A. Salman, H.A. Issa, A.A. Al-
Amiery, T.S. Gaaz and A.A.H. Kadhum, Experimental and quantum chemical
simulations on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel by 3-((5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-1,3,4-
thiadiazol-2-yl)imino)indolin-2-one, Results Phys., 2018, 9, 278–283. doi:
10.1016/j.rinp.2018.02.055
 Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2021, 10, no. 3, 861–884 884

107. S. Junaedi, A. Al-Amiery, A. Kadihum, A.H. Kadhum and A. Mohamad, Inhibition

Effects of a Synthesized Novel 4-Aminoantipyrine Derivative on the Corrosion of Mild
Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution together with Quantum Chemical Studies, Int. J.
Mol. Sci., 2013, 14, 11915–11928. doi: 10.3390/ijms140611915
108. H.R. Obayes, G.H. Alwan, A.H.MJ. Alobaidy, A.A. Al-Amiery, A.A.H. Kadhum and
A.B. Mohamad, Quantum chemical assessment of benzimidazole derivatives as corrosion
inhibitors, Chem. Cent. J., 2014, 8, no. 21, 1–8. doi: 10.1186/1752-153X-8-21
109. T.A. Salman, Q.A. Jawad, M.A.M. Hussain, A.A. Al-Amiery, L.M. Shaker,
A.A.H. Kadhum and M.S. Takriff, New environmental friendly corrosion inhibitor of
mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution: Adsorption and thermal studies, Cogent Eng.,
2020, 7, no. 1, 1826077. doi: 10.1080/23311916.2020.1826077
110. K. Tamalmani and H. Husin, Review on Corrosion Inhibitors for Oil and Gas Corrosion
Issues, Appl. Sci., 2020, 10, 3389. doi: 10.3390/app10103389
111. A. Mahmood and H. Dawood, A Comprehensive Review of Corrosion and its Inhibition
in the Oil and Gas Industry, In Proceedings of the SPE Kuwait Oil and Gas Show and
Conference, Mishref, Kuwait, 2015, Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi:
10.2118/175337-MS
112. E. Oguzie, Y. Li, S. Wang and F. Wang, Understanding corrosion inhibition
mechanisms – Experimental and theoretical approach, RSC Adv., 2011, 1, no. 5, 866–
873. doi: 10.1039/C1RA00148E
113. L. Guo, W. Dong and S. Zhang, Theoretical challenges in understanding the inhibition
mechanism of copper corrosion in acid media in the presence of three triazole
derivatives, RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 41956–41967. doi: 10.1039/C4RA04931D
114. L. Guo, C. Qi, X. Zheng, R. Zhang, X. Shen and S. Kaya, Toward understanding the
adsorption mechanism of large size organic corrosion inhibitors on an Fe(110) surface
using the DFTB method, RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 29042–29050. doi: 10.1039/C7RA04120A

