Inhibition of the initial stages of corrosion by 2-mercaptobenzothiazole adsorption and the effects of interfacial oxides on copper in neutral chloride conditions.

Advanced surface analytical techniques were used to study 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2-MBT) adsorption and interfacial oxide effects on copper, and cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize corrosion inhibition in NaCl solution. 2-MBT adsorbs on metallic copper by its sulphur atoms along with a small fraction of nitrogen atoms. The 2-MBT film formed is thicker when the interfacial oxide is less. Upon anodic polarisation, a direct correlation between the thickness of 2-MBT layer and protection against corrosion initiation is observed. The metal-organic complexes, formed by an interaction between 2-MBT and Cu(I) ions, do not offer additional protection to the substrate. • 2-MBT inhibition of copper initial corrosion in NaCl studied by surface analysis. • 2-MBT adsorption mostly by sulphur atoms and partially by nitrogen atoms. • Thickness of 2-MBT layer dependent on quantity of interfacial oxides present. • Superior protection against corrosion offered by thicker 2-MBT barrier layer. • Metal-organic Cu-2-MBT complexes do not aid in corrosion protection of substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]