An electrochemical study of iron corrosion inhibitors in aqueous polyethylene glycol solutions

Electrochemical techniques (changes in corrosion potential over time, i=f(E) potentiodynamic plots and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) are considered to assess the effectiveness of two corrosion inhibitors used in conservation, Hostacor KS1 (Hoechst) and triethanolamine, for archaeological iron when treated as a waterlogged iron-wood composite in an aqueous polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution. The results show, that not only is Hostacor KS1 most effective in passivating iron in PEG solutions but the concentration of this anodic inhibitor to be used is different according to the degradation of the surface of the metal.