Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitor for aluminium in HCl solution

► Three Schiff bases have been tested as possible corrosion inhibitors for aluminium. ► Corrosion tests have been performed via EIS and Tafel polarisation methods. ► Experimental inhibition efficiencies were correlated with quantum chemical parameters. Three Schiff bases named 1,5-bis[2-(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenoxy]-3-oxopentane (D1), 1,5-bis[2-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenoxy]-3-oxopentane (D2) and 1,5-bis[2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenoxy]-3-oxopentane (D3) were synthesized and their inhibitive capabilities on the aluminium corrosion in 0.1 M HCl were investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Tafel polarisation and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Results showed that, compounds under study exhibit inhibitor properties and adsorption of these compounds was found to accord with Temkin adsorption isotherm. Polarisation curves indicated that the studied Schiff bases were cathodic inhibitor and the effectiveness of these inhibitors decreased in the order of D3 > D2 > D1. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to provide further insight into the inhibition efficiencies determined experimentally.