Synthesis and applications of novel Schiff base derivatives as corrosion inhibitors and additives for improvement of reinforced concrete

Abstract

Abstract The studied Schiff-base compounds in this work are multitasked investigated as corrosion inhibitors and also, to improve the physical and mechanical properties of reinforced concrete. The efficiency inhibition of the two novel Schiff-base compounds named (DHSiMF) and (DHSiB) for corrosion of carbon-steel in aqueous media of 1 M HCl was assessed via electrochemical methods and loss in weight. FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectra and elemental analysis were used to confirm the structure of such compounds. It was found to have successful inhibition even at low concentrations in tested media, as an increase in inhibitor concentration led to an improvement in the inhibition efficiency. The weight loss results clearly demonstrate that DHSiMF of C-steel in 1 M HCl has a higher inhibition efficiency than DHSiB, with a maximum inhibition efficiency (85%) attained at 1 × 10–2 M from DHSiMF. Electrochemical experiments likewise revealed the same order, but with a maximal inhibitory efficiency of 98.1%. The addition of inhibitors to the corrosive media dramatically changed the anodic Tafel constants (βa) and cathodic Tafel constants (βc), indicating a mixed type nature. Electrochemical polarization curves illustrated the functions of mixed-type inhibition and the action of adsorption matching with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The ∆Gads values for DHSiMF and DHSiB at temperatures (ranging from 303 to 333 K) are − 34.42 kilojoule/mole to − 37.51 kilojoule/mole. These values indicate that the compounds’ adsorption types are chemo-physical adsorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments were used to check the existence of the protection layer on the surface of carbon steel by analyzing the morphologies of the corrosion effects and the formed chemical compositions of the corrosion outcomes. For the concrete, the findings suggest that the chemical reaction that takes place between the DHSiMF and DHSiB and the concrete mix will result in an increase in the flexural strength, the compressive strength, and the indirect tensile strength of the concrete that is made of the gravel and dolomite aggregate.