Synergistically and sustainably performed inhibitors for galvanised steel against aqueous corrosion

This work develops a synergistic inhibiting strategy through employing two distinct aromatic heterocyclic ring systems, i.e., 2-amino-4-methylthiazole (2AT-Me) and 2-(methylthio)imidazole (I-2MT) to provide electro-galvanised steel (ZE) synergistic and sustainable protection against aqueous corrosion. The formulated mixture rendered an enhanced inhibitory efficiency of 96%, reinforcing the corrosion resistance of ZE after 7-day immersion in 0.1 M NaCl solution. Analysis of surface chemistry and electrolyte chemistry reveals that the growth dynamic of the protective layer is a two-step process reflecting the sequential responses of each inhibitor’s characteristic mode-of-action. Such a synergistic inhibition formulation provides promises to modify post-corroded ZE surface.