Synthesis, characterization, and utilization of a diallylmethylamine-based cyclopolymer for corrosion mitigation in simulated acidizing environment

A novel random copolymer 4, containing diallylmethylamine and N1,N1-diallyl-N1-methyl-N6,N6,N6-tripropylhexane-1,6-diammonium dibromide units in a 1:1 ratio (polymer 4) was synthesized via Butler's cyclopolymerization technique. Characterization was accomplished by 1H NMR, elemental analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Polymer 4 was tested as corrosion inhibitor for low carbon steel in 15% HCl solution via gravimetric and electrochemical approaches. The analysis of the metal specimen surfaces was done using scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods. Polymer 4 is inhibitor for the substrate particularly at elevated temperatures. Corrosion mitigation is by chemisorption mechanism and can be best described with the Langmuir and El-Awady et al. kinetic-thermodynamic adsorption isotherms. Polymer 4 corrosion mitigation capacity can be improved by the addition of a minute amount of I− ions. Inhibition efficiency of 92.99% has been achieved with 500 ppm polymer 4 + 1 mM KI mixture at 25 °C. Surface analysis results support the claim of adsorption of additive molecules on steel surface. From XPS results, corrosion products on steel surface exposed to the free acid solution are mixtures of chlorides, carbonates, oxides, and hydroxides. In polymer 4 + KI system, polymer 4 molecules are adsorbed on triiodide and pentaiodide ions layer. The improved corrosion inhibition of polymer 4 by I− ions is synergistic in nature according to calculated synergism parameter. Polymer 4 is a promising corrosion inhibitor for oil well acidizing purpose. •A novel diallylmethylamine-based cyclopolymer (polymer 4) has been synthesized.•Polymer 4 was evaluated as inhibitor for low carbon steel in 15% HCl solution.•The optimum concentration (500 ppm) afforded inhibition efficiency above 82%.•Addition of 1 mM KI to polymer enhanced corrosion inhibition above 90%.•EDAX, FTIR, XPS, SEM, and AFM were used for surface characterization.