Self-assembled monolayer of 2-(octadecylthio)benzothiazole for corrosion protection of copper

Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 2-(octadecylthio)benzothiazole (2-OTBT) was formed on a fresh copper surface obtained by nitric acid etching. Optimum conditions for formation of SAM have been established. XPS, AFM and FTIR studies have been used to characterize the SAM. Corrosion protection ability of the SAM has been evaluated in aqueous NaCl solution using electrochemical impedance, EQCN, potentiodynamic polarization and weight-loss studies. 2-OTBT SAM is found to have excellent corrosion protection efficiency in the aq. NaCl solution. The mechanism of corrosion inhibition of copper by 2-OTBT SAM is discussed.