Application of surfactants as anticorrosive materials: A comprehensive review

Corrosion is the degradation of a metal due to its reaction with the environment. One of the most efficient ways of securing metal surfaces from corrosion is the use of corrosion inhibitors. Their efficacy is connected to their chemical composition, their molecular structures, and their adsorption affinities on the metal surface. This review article focuses on the prospects of different types of monomeric and gemini surfactants, mixed surfactants systems, surfactants- additives mixed systems, inhibitors-surfactants (as additives) mixed systems, and ionic liquid based surfactants as promising corrosion-inhibiting formulations in the aqueous phase and the role of surfactants in developing protective coatings. The analysis starts with an accurate overview of the characteristics, types, and structure-property-performance relationship of anti-corrosion formulations of such inhibitors. Fig.1. Schematic representation of a surfactant monomer. [Display omitted] •This review summarizes previously published results of the corrosion inhibition of metals in aggressive media using surfactants.•The most widely employed surfactants were quaternary ammonium based cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants and m-s-m type GS for CS.•The effectiveness of surfactants increased with the total number of carbon atoms in the aliphatic hydrocarbon.•CMC was considered a key factor in determining the effectiveness of surfactants.•Surfactants can also be used in emerging smart coating formulations.