Behaviour of Benzotriazole Salts in Multi Metal Formulations for Corrosion Inhibition of Copper

Abstract Benzotriazole and triazole compounds are well-known copper corrosion inhibitors. Also benzotriazole is used as Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCIs) for copper. Sometimes copper is used together with iron and other metals within the same part or structure. To protect mixed metal components that have copper, benzotriazole is used along with other corrosion inhibitors as in multi-metal inhibitor formulations. However, when mixed with other corrosion inhibitors the chemicals may react with benzotriazole and may generate different kinds of salts. These new salts may cause more harm to copper. Therefore it is important to check the compatibility of different corrosion inhibitors with benzotriazole. In this study, benzotriazole salts were investigated; whether or not to be an acceptable VCI for copper, in multi metal applications. To analyze the volatile corrosion inhibition ability; our modified German TL 8135-002 test method was used. This test method was adjusted for copper.