Inhibition of carbon steel corrosion in 1 M HCl medium by potassium thiocyanate

The effect of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) on the corrosion of carbon steel (C-steel) in 1 M HCl has been investigated in relation to the concentration of the inhibitor by polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and weight loss measurement. The results obtained revealed that this compound is a good mixed type inhibitor with predominant cathodic effectiveness. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behavior with the addition of optimal concentration of KSCN was studied in the temperature range 298–328 K. The value of inhibition efficiency decreases slightly with the increase in temperature. Changes in impedance parameters (charge transfer resistance, Rct, and double layer capacitance, Cdl) were indicative of adsorption of KSCN on the metal surface, leading to the formation of a protective film. Adsorption of KSCN on the C-steel surface was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Some thermodynamic functions of dissolution and adsorption processes were also determined and discussed.