Polymeric corrosion inhibitors for the oil and gas industry: Design principles and mechanism

This work provides an overview of the most common polymeric corrosion inhibitors for the oil and gas industry. Exploration, production and transportation of petroleum and natural gas products constantly deal with highly corrosive environments due to oxygen, acid stimulation, CO2 and H2S contamination. Therefore, versatile materials are required in order to keep corrosion rates in control. Unlike small molecule corrosion inhibitors, polymers possess multi-functionality and better film-forming capabilities, which could significantly improve protective barrier properties. In this article, polymeric architectures tested in relevant oil and gas media are compiled in order to highlight certain moieties capable of complex formation with the metal surface or chelation on corrosive agents resulting to improved corrosion inhibition.