Studying and evaluating anti-corrosion coatings and inhibitors using the wire beam electrode method in conjunction with electrochemical noise analysis

<b>Purpose </b>– To provide a summary of research work carried out mainly in the authors' group for evaluating various protective coatings including rustproofing oils, and also for studying corrosion inhibitors using the wire beam electrode (WBE) method.<br /><br /><b>Design/methodology/approach</b> – A range of published papers published during the past 15 years was summarised and reviewed. Recent research work in the authors' group was also included, which involved the combined use of the WBE with electrochemical noise analysis and the scanning reference electrode technique.<br /><br /><b>Findings </b>– The WBE method has been developed into a very useful tool of evaluating the performance of coatings and inhibitors. In particular, The WBE is uniquely applicable for determining the performance of coatings and inhibitors to control localised corrosion.<br /><br /><b>Research limitations/implications</b> – Focusing mainly on recent research.<br /><br /><b>Practical implications</b> – A useful source of information for researchers and graduate students working in the areas of organic coating and inhibitor research.<br /><br /><b>Originality/value</b> – The first summary or review on this research topic.<br />