Corrosion Inhibitors can be found in many everyday and household products, and without some way or preventing or slowing down corrosion, engines, and other metal items wouldn't function properly and could literally rust away.
Here's what you should know about them.
1. The job of corrosion Inhibitors is to slow down the degradation and corrosion of metal. This means that metal can be used for use with liquids, and in situations where the weather, or constant friction, would cause components to wear away.
2. Anodic corrosion inhibitors work by covering the metal with chromates which helps to stop the rust forming. It's important to get eh level of chromates right, as too much is likely to cause the metal to start pitting, and not enough won't protect adequately protect the metal.
3. Cathodic corrosion inhibitors help to slow down, or minimise the effects of the cathodic reaction which causes metal to corrode. This is done by using chemicals which react with dissolved oxygen, called oxygen scavengers. Reducing the amount of oxygen will reduce the risk of rust forming.
4. Fluids such as oils which are designed to stop metal parts from rubbing against each together would be in danger of causing components to rust without corrosion inhibitors. Brake and clutch fluids, transmission fluid and oils need to keep the engine and the vehicle working properly and so can't damage the components they are designed to protect.
5. Fuels also need to have corrosion inhibitors added to them so that they don't damage the metal storage tanks, the forecourt fuel pumps or the engines that they will be used in.
6. To achieve the best results, it's better to combine both anodic and cathodic corrosion inhibitors in order to slow down the corroding process.
7. Pipelines are often made of metal, and so need to be treated against rust so that the liquids they carry don't corrode the pipes. Pipes are often in places that are hard to reach such as under the sea, and so it's not always easy to replace a section of pipe. In addition, there could be massive disruption caused if the pipeline had to be closed.
8. You probably didn't realise that many household lubricants and detergents contain corrosion inhibitors. You can find them in all sorts of products, such as lubricating sprays and bicycle oil, as well as laundry products. Consider all the places and items around the home that you have to stop from squeaking, or seize up sometimes.
9. Heating systems often use a combination of anodic and cathodic corrosion inhibitors, as it's important that the pipes and radiators are long lasting, and don't corrode, which could have disastrous effects.
10. Paint tins need to be protected from corroding, so that the paint itself doesn't cause the tin to rust. In addition, the paints that are designed to be used on metal will need to be able to withstand corroding the metal. Imagine if a bridge, oil rig, or even car body started to rust because of the paint used.
Now you know more about corrosion inhibitors, and how important they are, do you need to think more about how you can reduce the risk of rust in your products?