Question

Which of the following is/are the limitations of inhibitors?

(a) It contaminates the environment

(b) Inhibitors are toxic

(c) Its efficiency decreases with time and temperature

(d) It contaminates the environment, toxic in nature, and its efficiency decreases with time and temperature.

The question was posed to me in semester exam.

The doubt is from Corrosion Prevention in section Corrosion Prevention of Corrosion Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(d) It contaminates the environment, toxic in nature, and its efficiency decreases with time and temperature.

Explanation:

Inhibitors are substances added to corrosive environments to reduce the rate of corrosion. However, they come with several limitations:

1. Contamination of the environment: Some inhibitors can accumulate in the environment and cause contamination, which is a significant concern in industrial processes.

2. Toxicity: Many inhibitors, especially those based on heavy metals (like chromates), can be toxic to both humans and aquatic life, posing environmental and health risks.

3. Decreased efficiency with time and temperature: Over time, inhibitors can degrade or lose effectiveness. Additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of inhibitors, reducing their ability to prevent corrosion effectively.

Therefore, all three factors mentioned in option (d) are correct limitations of inhibitors.