Organic Inhibitors

Unlike cathodic inhibitors, organic inhibitors tend be active over the entire metal by adsorbing to the surface to form a thin, water-displacing film. The strength of the adsorptive bond between the metal and the film is a key factor in determining the level of protection the inhibitor will provide. This bonding strength is primarily dependent on the relative ionic charge between the metallic surface and the organic inhibitor. Anionic inhibitors (inhibitors with a negative ionic charge), such as sulfonates, are used for positively charged metal. Cationic inhibitors (inhibitors with a positive ionic charge), such as amines, are used for a negatively charged metal.