Benzotriazole (BTA) Corrosion Inhibitor Supplier

What Is Benzotriazole?

Benzotriazole (BTA) is an aromatic heterocyclic compound — a white crystalline solid moderately soluble in water. It is the most widely used corrosion inhibitor for copper and copper alloys (brass, bronze) in aqueous systems. BTA forms a chemisorbed Cu(I)-BTA polymer complex on copper surfaces that acts as a physical barrier preventing oxidation by dissolved oxygen, chlorine, or other oxidants. This film is extremely thin but effective, reducing copper corrosion by 95–99% at dosages of 1–5 mg/L.

Cooling Water Application

In cooling water programmes, BTA is dosed at 1–5 mg/L as the yellow metal inhibitor component. It forms a persistent film on all copper alloy surfaces — heat exchangers, condensers, piping — that persists at pH 6–10 and up to ~80°C. BTA is fully compatible with molybdate, zinc, polyphosphate, and other corrosion inhibitor components in formulated cooling water treatment programmes. It is also used in glycol coolants (automotive/HVAC), hydraulic oils, and metalworking fluids for copper protection.

Industrial Applications

Beyond cooling water, benzotriazole is used as a vapour-phase corrosion inhibitor for copper components, in electronics for printed circuit board copper protection, in lubricants in contact with copper alloy components, and in anti-freeze formulations as the standard copper protection additive. Terracore Chemicals supplies BTA in 25 kg powder bags and as concentrated aqueous solution for cooling water treatment across Southern Africa.