THE EFFECT OF STRUCTURE OF ZEOLITE AS AN INORGANIC INHIBITOR RESERVOIR ON MILD STEEL CORROSION IN A SODIUM CHLORIDE SOLUTION

In this research two different zeolites as zinc cation reservoir were synthesized. The structure of zeolites was different regarding precursor of synthesis, particles size and shape, crystallinity degree and Si/Al ratio. First, the structure of zeolites was determined by XRD and SEM. The effect of zeolites containing zinc cation on the corrosion of mild steel in a sodium chloride solution was studied through taking advantage of electrochemical analysis such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization as well as scanning electron microscopy surface analysis. The results indicated that the ability of zeolite to release inhibiting species not only is influenced by type of zeolite but also depends on Si/Al ratio and the amount of crystalline or amorphous structure.