Corrosion inhibition of acid-neutralized triethanolamine (TEA) for metals

The generation of acid substances occurs during metal processes like metal cutting, cleaning, and processing, which is one of the main reasons that leads to metal corrosion. The acid environment will accelerate the metal's electrochemical corrosion and cause the workpiece to rust and cause device damage.

 

As an organic amine, triethanolamine (TEA) can effectively neutralize acid substance and play an important role in metal working fluids.

How effective is triethanolamine as a corrosion inhibitor after acid neutralization? Why is it a staple ingredient in so many anti-rust formulations?

The core mechanism of triethanolamine (TEA) in metal corrosion

• Neutralize acid substance and prevents corrosion and rust from the resource.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is alkaline and can neutralize acid substances in water, inhibiting the reduction reaction of hydrogen ions on the metal surface to reduce corrosion.

In metal working fluids like cutting fluids, triethanolamine can neutralize the acid substance during the processing, making the systems stable and in an alkaline state.

• Form a protective film separate the corrosive medium.

The nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the triethanolamine molecule possess lone pair electrons, enabling the formation of an adsorbed film on the metal surface, which subsequently develops into a protective passivation layer. Additionally, triethanolamine can form stable chelates with metal ions (such as Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺), creating a protective film on the metal surface that prevents rusting.

The nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the TEA molecule possess lone pair electrons, enabling the formation of an adsorbed film on the metal surface, which subsequently develops into a protective passivation layer. At the same time, triethanolamine corrosion inhibitor can form stable chelates and a protective film on the metal surface to prevent rust.

• Maintain the alkaline environment

Triethanolamine corrosion inhibitor can provide excellent alkaline storage ability and a stable pH value. By maintaining an alkaline environment over the long term with low corrosivity, it helps enhance the system's antimicrobial properties as well as its rust and oxidation resistance.

 

Typical application

Workpiece anti-rust: the short-term rust prevention of workpieces during processing, transporting, and storing.

Metal cutting fluids: used as the pH adjustment additive and rust preventive inhibitor to maintain the working fluid stable.

Metal cleaning additive: neutralizing the acid substance and providing rust prevention protection.

 

The value and limits of triethanolamine (TEA) corrosion inhibitor

1. Core advantages: As an alkaline neutralizing agent, pH buffer, and adsorption-type corrosion inhibitor, triethanolamine is an indispensable component in metalworking fluid formulations.

 

2. The limitations of triethanolamine (TEA)

The corrosion to copper, aluminium and their alloys: triethanolamine corrosion inhibitor has corrosion on copper, aluminium and the alloys, which is the main reason that TEA is limited to use in metalworking.

For precision machining like copper and aluminium, only using triethanolamine (TEA) may bring the corrosion risk; therefore, it needs to cooperate with corrosion inhibitors such as benzotriazole (BTA).

The rust prevention effect is limited, and it needs to be matched with other anti-rust additives: when using triethanolamine (TEA) alone, although it can prevent rust in a short period, the rust prevention effect is limited and can not satisfy the long-term anti-rust and extreme working conditions prevention demands. The protective capability of triethanolamine diminishes further, particularly in corrosive media containing chloride ions.

Skin irritant and sensitizer, and the production and use are strictly restricted.

The value of triethanolamine lies in its combination with other anti-rust components, which allows it to achieve maximum effectiveness.

 

Chorus-the professional rust preventive inhibitor solution

Chorus is a professional lubricant additive supplier in China. We can provide you with safe, environmentally friendly, and high-efficiency metal rust prevention additives, such as sulfonate-based rust inhibitors, rust preventive packages, and multi-corrosion inhibitor additives that can be widely used in metal working cutting fluids, workpiece rust prevention, and anti-rust oils.

Chorus 9920-multi metals corrosion inhibitor:

It's a phosphorus-based corrosion inhibitor, mainly used as a zinc corrosion inhibitor; it also offers excellent rust-preventing performance for aluminium and copper. Chorus 9920 is suitable for various water-based metal working formulations, such as fully synthetic water-based metal working fluid, semi-synthetic water-based metal working fluid, high-oil-content emulsified metalworking fluids, water-based hydraulic fluids, quenching fluids, rolling fluids, etc. These products excel in terms of environmental friendliness, applicability, and safety.

We can also provide you with a highly effective ferrous metal corrosion inhibitor that, when neutralized with an alkali or alkanolamine, is suitable for use in all types of water-based systems-such as metalworking fluids, high-water-content fluids (HFC), engine coolants, and other multi-metal cooling systems.

Know more about TEA neutralized with an acid substance for metal corrosion and rust inhibition.

Contact us to get a professional rust prevention solution.