Abstract: The corrosion inhibition behaviours of 10 cationic asphalt emulsifiers were studied by static weight loss test and simulating the corrosion system of emulsifying asphalt and paving. Results showed that some types of cationic asphalt emulsifiers including imidazoline, alkyl amines, alkyl amides and quaternary ammonium, exhibited excellent corrosion inhibition performance in hydrochloric acid corrosion system, possessing both emulsification and corrosion inhibition functions. Scanning electron microscopy was also used to study the corrosion inhibition behaviours of cationic asphalt emulsifiers and the inhibition mechanism was discussed. It was suggested that the adsorption of emulsifiers on the metal surface might form an adsorption film to prevent the contact of metal with the corrosion medium, thus the corrosion was inhibited.

Key words: cation, asphalt emulsifier, corrosion inhibition