Diaminobenzoquinones as Corrosion-Inhibiting Additives

Non-polymeric N,N´-di-N-hydrocarbyl- 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzoquinones (where the hydrocarbyl substituents are alkyl or aryl) have been found to be useful as corrosion-inhibiting additives for paints and other conventional coating materials that are applied to steel and other metals. Prior coating additives made from reactions of benzoquinones with diamines are polymeric. Such polymers are expensive and difficult to make. Moreover, being polymers, they cannot diffuse much and hence are believed not to protect uncoated areas of metal against corrosion. In contrast, when used in proper concentrations, the present non-polymeric diaminobenzoquinones provide enhanced protection that extends somewhat from the edges of coats into uncoated areas — an important advantage in situations in which there are imperfections (e.g., gaps, scratches, and blisters) in coats of paint.