Volatile corrosion inhibitors: a review

Purpose To provide a selective bibliography for graduate students and new faculty members with sources which can help them develop their academic career. Design/methodology/approach A range of published (1951‐2004) works, which aim to discuss the main parameters of the volatile corrosion inhibition process. The sources are sorted into sections: transport of the volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) to the metallic surface, vapour pressure of a VCI, dependence of vapour pressure upon temperature, effect of pH on VCI behaviour, formation and destruction of adsorbed films, and volatile corrosion inhibitor monitors (VCIM). Findings Provides information about each source, indicating what can be found there and how the information can help. Recognises the lack of real training of many academics before they are expected to take on teaching/researching duties and finds some texts which help. Research limitations/implications It is not an exhaustive list and apart from several UK and US books all the rest are EU and US publications which perhaps limits its usefulness elsewhere. Practical implications A very useful list of the most common compounds used as VCIs is reported. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to an individual starting out on and academic career and to professional with some experience on corrosion inhibition.