Microscale Corrosion Inhibition Behavior of Four Corrosion Inhibitors (BTA, MBI, MBT, and MBO) on Archeological Silver Artifacts Based on Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy

Abstract

The problem of corrosion-induced discoloration and embrittlement in silverware is a significant concern for the long-term preservation of excavated archeological silver artifacts, even after thermal restoration. The key to addressing this issue lies in the meticulous selection and evaluation of corrosion inhibitors that possess targeted corrosion inhibition capabilities. This study focuses on the evaluation of corrosion inhibitors for archeological silver artifacts using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The researchers aimed to compare the inhibition effects of four corrosion inhibitors [1,2,3-benzotriazole (BTA), 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), and 2-mercaptobenzoxazole (MBO)] on a simulated Ag–Cu alloy sample and understand their mechanisms. The results showed that MBT exhibited better corrosion inhibition for microstructural regions with higher silver content due to its ability to form stable chelation structures with Ag(I). MBO exhibited better corrosion inhibition for microstructural regions with higher copper content due to its strong affinity with Cu(I). The targeted corrosion inhibition ability for the β-phase was ranked as MBO > BTA ≈ MBI > MBT, while for the α-phase the ranking was MBT > MBO > MBI > BTA. The study demonstrated the feasibility and capabilities of SECCM in the targeted screening of corrosion inhibitors for different compositions and microstructural regions in archeological metal artifacts. This study highlights the potential of SECCM in corrosion inhibitor research for archeological metal artifacts and wider applications in metal material corrosion protection.

Design, Synthesis, and Spectral Properties of Novel 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole Derivatives

“…The widespread use of these substances in the medical field, such as their application as anti-inflammatory [ 2 ], antibacterial [ 3 , 4 ], and antifungal agents [ 5 ], along with their efficacy in treating diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular illnesses [ 6 ], has garnered considerable attention. The interest in this group of compounds arises not only from their medicinal applications but also from their diverse uses in various industries: 2-mercaptobenzothiazole serves as a widely utilized organic corrosion inhibitor [ 7 ] for copper [ 8 , 9 ] and zinc [ 10 , 11 ], and as a component of self-healing and anticorrosion smart coatings [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Larsson et al [ 16 ] suggested that MBT can serve as an additive in dye solar devices.…”