Corrosion inhibition of mild steel by metal cations in high pH simulated fresh water at different temperatures

Corrosion inhibition effect of metal cations on mild steel was investigated by immersion tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in simulated fresh water with high pH at different temperatures. Immersion tests showed the different corrosion rates in the different solutions, and the Zn2+ containing solution showed the minimum corrosion rate at the experimental temperatures. The specimen immersed in the Zn2+ containing solution showed comparatively smooth surface which was observed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. EIS and XPS results suggested that Zn2+ attached to the steel surface and formed a layer, thereby improving the corrosion inhibition ability of steel