A pyrazine derivative as corrosion inhibitor for steel in sulphuric acid solution

The influence of diethyl pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate (P1) on the corrosion of steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution has been studied by weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarisation and linear polarisation resistance (Rp) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The inhibiting action increases with the concentration of pyrazine compound to attain 82% at 10−2 M. We note good agreement between gravimetric and electrochemical methods (potentiodynamic and Rp polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)). Polarisation measurements also show that the pyrazine acts essentially as a cathodic inhibitor. The cathodic curves indicate that the reduction of proton at the steel surface happens with an activating mechanism. The yellow deposit on the steel surface was analysed by infrared method. P1 adsorbs on the steel surface according to Langmuir adsorption model. Effect of temperature is also made in the 298-353 K range.