Nitrites have long been added to heavy duty coolants to inhibit iron cylinder liner corrosion initiated by cavitation. Many papers have attributed the inhibition effect of nitrite to the formation of an iron oxide layer at the surface of the liner. This oxide is presumed to be resistant to corrosion damage. Recently, carboxylates have also been found to provide excellent cylinder liner protection in heavy duty application. A mechanism for carboxylate protection of cylinder liners has yet to be published. The present paper explores the effects of the combination of carboxylates and nitrite ion in protecting iron surfaces against corrosion. Electrochemical cyclic polarization studies shed new light on the protection mechanism of each component by itself as well as a surprising effect observed when both inhibitors are used in combination.
Keywords: cast iron corrosion, inhibition, nitrites, carboxylates, cyclic polarization