Polymers and their composites for corrosion inhibition application: Development, advancement, and future scope–A critical review

In the last decades, corrosion control of metals and their alloys has been of environmental, aesthetic, economic, and technical importance. Ecologically acceptable, environment-friendly, and readily available corrosion inhibitors are one of the best options for protecting metals against corrosion. In this regard, use of polymers for inhibiting metallic corrosion is an authentic and acceptable practice, with a low environmental threat. Polymers may be used as composites, blends, or isolation for optimal inhibitory effects. Inhibition efficiencies of corrosion inhibitors were determined using mass loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization techniques, etc. The present study gives the idea about natural, synthetic, and conducting polymers and their utilization for corrosion inhibition applications. Effects of halide ions as additives or surfactants on their anticorrosion performances are also discussed. Polymeric materials as coatings are reviewed to align with recent research interests, such as cost-effectiveness, environment friendliness, and self-healing products, which are more convenient to synthesize and use in future applications.