Hydroxy Phosphono Acetic Acid (HPA) - A Mechanistic Investigation Of Corrosion Inhibition Under Cooling Water Conditions

Reference

W. Neagle - NACE March 11th - 15th, 1991, paper no. 568

Abstract

The role of HYDROXY PHOSPHONOACETIC ACID (HPA) in the inhibition of mild steel corrosion in aqueous systems, has been elucidated by the use of a range of physicochemical techniques. In particular, surface analytical studies have clarified the form and the structure of the protective layer.

Conclusion

  1. HPA forms an inhibitive film involving its trianionic ion and calcium.
  2. Calcium facilitates transport and adsorption of HPA by the formation of a solution complex of neutral charge.
  3. The film formed by HPA and calcium inhibits the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction on mild steel.
  4. The film is self-limiting as the driving force for film growth is high pH due to oxygen reduction.
  5. The film formed is around 20-80 nm thick - enough to offer excellent excellent protection without interfering with heat transfer.