Mechanisms of inhibition of Mg aqueous corrosion in presence of chloride by sodium salicylate (Sal), 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (PDC) and fumarate (Fum) were studied by in situ Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR, GD-OES and hydrogen collection. In situ detected surface films were composed by Mg(OH) 2 nano-crystals and included inhibitors. All carboxylates significantly modified Mg(OH) 2 growth kinetics as well as pevented chloride incorporation in the film. Vibrational spectra of the surface films demonstrated specific interactions between the carboxylates and the surface: adsorption of Sal and Fum on the oxide/hydroxide, precipitation of coordination polymer by PDC, dissolution of iron inclusions via formation of iron-Sal soluble complexes.
Highlights: Carboxylates modify kinetics of Mg(OH) 2 film growth on Mg during aqueous corrosion; Mg(OH) 2 nano-crystals formed in inhibitors solutions limit Claccess to Mg surface; Salicylate adsorbs chemically on Mg(OH) 2 , dissolves Fe-containing inclusions; 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylate precipitates in the form of coordination polymer; Inhibition by fumarate seems to be due to adsorption via carboxylate group.