Evaluation of Some Nonionic Surfactants Derived From Vanillin as Corrosion Inhibitors for Carbon Steel During Drilling Processes

Four eco‐friendly nonionic surfactants based on vanillin were investigated as corrosion inhibitors against carbon steel dissolution during the drilling process in the oil field. The corrosion inhibition efficiencies of the tested compounds were determined using weight loss, electrochemical polarization, and electrochemical impedance techniques. The data obtained show that the nonionic surfactants prevent the corrosion of drilling tools and their inhibition efficiency increased with an increase in their concentration. Tafel curves revealed that the surfactants under study act as mixed inhibitors. The adsorption of the inhibitors on carbon steel surface decreases the double‐layer capacitance. The inhibition efficiencies of the surfactants were influenced by their chemical structure and surface activity.