Investigation of an eco-friendly sodium alginate-sodium silicate inhibitor blend for carbon steel in a dynamic salt water environment

An innovative and sustainable sodium alginate -sodium silicate (SASS) inhibitor blend is investigated for carbon steel in a dynamic 3 wt% NaCl environment. Potentiodynamic scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are performed to estimate inhibition efficiency (IE) and inhibition mechanism. Synergistic, highly efficient (up to 99%) blends are obtained due to formation of a structured film and integration of SA throughout the film thickness. Furthermore, the electrochemical behaviour of multiple SA:SS blend ratios is analysed, pointing to the necessity of sufficient SA and SS to form the most protective blend. Based on these findings, a mechanism for the film formation is also proposed.