A decrease of inhibitor concentration in a medium is always desirable even if the inhibitor is not toxic. In this connection, a sharp increase in the protective effect of certain corrosion inhibitors when cathodic polarization was applied to the metal is reviewed. The importance of a simultaneous account of the chemical structure of inhibitor and the nature of the metal corrosion under cathodic polarization is outlined. Some examples of applying this combined protection of metals are discussed.
Keywords: adsorption, acid, calcareous deposit, cathodic deposit, cathodic polarization, combined protection, complexes, current density, corrosion inhibitor, post-treatment effect, potential, seawater.