Focke, Walter WilhelmNhlapo, N.S. (Nontete Suzan)Vuorinen, Eino2013-10-312013-10-312013-12Focke, WW, Nhlapo, NS & Vuorinen, E 2013 , 'Thermal analysis and FTIR studies of volatile corrosion inhibitor model systems', Corrosion Science, vol. 77, no. 12, pp. 88-96.0010-938X (print)1879-0496 (online)10.1016/j.corsci.2013.07.030http://hdl.handle.net/2263/32236Model compounds simulating amine–carboxylic acid-based volatile corrosion inhibitors were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These systems are usually employed as equimolar mixtures to protect ferrous metals against atmospheric corrosion. The key finding of this study was that the vapors released by such equimolar mixtures initially contain almost free amine only. After prolonged vaporization a steady-state azeotrope-like composition is approached. It contains excess carboxylic acid and features impaired corrosion inhibition efficiency according to the Skinner test. In part, this behavior can be attributed to the mismatch in the volatilities of the amine and carboxylic acid constituents.en© 2013 Elsevier. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Corrosion science. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Corrosion science, vol. 77, no.12, pp.88-96, 2013, doi : 10.1016/j.corsci.2013.07.030IR spectroscopyAtmospheric corrosionChemical inhibitorsCorrosion resistant materialsAminesCarboxylic acidsPostprint Article