Every year, many archeological findings are discovered. It is necessary to document and conserve these items dug up from the ground. However, archeologists and conservators cannot handle such a big amount of newly found items. This work offers an alternative approach to standard conservation techniques, increasing the processing capacity and lowering the cost on items’ conservation. Studied alternative, mainly for protection of metallic artefacts, includes thin films based on parylene and organosilicons. Thin films were prepared on two experimental apparatuses. Parylene films were deposited by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Final product was a thin film of parylene C. Organosilicon thin films were deposited via plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD). PECVD apparatus operates with capacitively coupled radiofrequently initiated plasma. Using hexamethyldisiloxane, thin films very similar to silicon dioxide were produced, thus called SiOx. Thin films were characterized by several methods and compared to standard treatment used by conservators – tannate layer, acrylic furnish Paraloid B72 and microcrystalline wax Revax 30. Parylene films showed excellent conformity and resistance to corrosion on iron substrate. First signs of corrosion were observed on layer of 5 µm thickness after 24 hours in salt fog. On samples coated by SiOx films, corrosion was spreading wide even during 1st hour of the corrosion test. Most probable cause was that SiOx film has thermal expansion coefficient different from iron substrate and due to this fact cracking occurs during cooling down of the treated substrate. On samples coated by standard treatment, corrosion occurred after 1-3 hours of the test. Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) measurements (performed on polypropylene substrate) confirmed good barrier properties of parylene C. Best parylene thin films had OTR approximately 170 cm3•m-2•atm-1•day-1. SiOx films reached good results with OTR 300 cm3•m-2•atm-1•day-1, compared to clean polypropylene substrate with OTR 1700 cm3•m-2•atm-1•day-1. Standard conservation layers could not be applied on polypropylene substrate, thus their OTR was not measured. We did not succeed in finding a substrate which is compatible for all types of treatments. Next, the study focused on combinations of thin films forming sandwich structures. All types let the corrosion attack the substrate during the 1st hour of the test. The cause was insufficient film thickness as well as crack ing of SiOx films due to different thermal expansion properties from the iron substrate. Although SiOx thin films were not deposited on substrate directly, they have excellent adhesion to parylenu and thus they could tear parylenu films due to thermal expansion. However, OTR measurements showed improvement in barrier properties. Multilayer parylene C–SiOx–parylene C–SiOx had OTR 5 cm3•m-2•atm-1•day-1. Final result is that parylene C thin films have better barrier properties than standard coatings and are suitable for conservation of metallic archaeological artefacts. SiOx films and multilayers showed poor anticorrosion protection of metallic substrates but they have good barrier and chemical properties in combination with other types of substrates. Mainly deposited on polymers, there is great potential for their application in many fields. Further research would be focused on new substrates for SiOx thin films and on the improvement of UV stability of parylene films.

No description available.

Le comportement à la corrosion de deux revêtements composites à matrice intermétallique Fe₃Al préparés par la technique HVOF (High Velocity Oxy Fuel) a été étudié dans une solution à 3.5% en poids de NaCl et comparé au Fe₃Al non renforcé. En outre, le chrome en tant qu'élément d'alliage utilisé dans la charge d'alimentation de HVOF pour évaluer l'effet du chrome sur le comportement à la corrosion du revêtement. Les techniques électrochimiques, y compris la polarisation potentiodynamique, le potentiel de circuit ouvert (OCP) et la spectroscopie d'impédance électrochimique (EIS) ont été considérées. La surface de l'échantillon a été analysée après la corrosion en utilisant un microscope électronique à balayage (MEB) et une spectroscopie photoélectronique par rayons X (XPS). L'essai de potentiel en circuit ouvert a révélé qu'il existe sur le revêtement une couche d'oxyde qui pourrait être due à la technique HVOF utilisant de l'oxygène gazeux pour appliquer les revêtements. Les diagrammes de polarisation potentiométrique ont révélé que l'ajout de particules de TiC à la matrice Fe₃Al améliore les performances de corrosion de Fe₃Al, de sorte que les revêtements Fe₃Al / TiC présentent un taux de corrosion légèrement 6 fois supérieur. Une spectroscopie d'impédance électrochimique a été réalisée pour étudier les mécanismes de prévention de la corrosion des revêtements et un mécanisme différent était supposé pour Fe₃Al-Cr / TiC. Une analyse post-corrosion, telle que les spectres XPS et les images MEB de la couche passive, a été réalisée pour étudier la forme de corrosion. L'analyse élémentaire de la couche passive a révélé que l'addition de chrome au revêtement composite, fournit une couche passive plus protectrice en bloquant les sites d'entrée des ions chlorure. Essais de polarisation cyclique effectués dans une solution d'acide sulfurique 0.25 M pour étudier le comportement de passivation et de piqûration de revêtements dans une solution différente pour comparer les résultats de plusieurs autres travaux sur des aluminiures de fer avec Fe₃Al et deux revêtements composites de Fe₃Al /TiC et Fe₃Al-Cr/TiC. Les résultats de la polarisation cyclique potentiodynamique ont révélé que les performances de corrosion des revêtements composites dans cette solution sont légèrement meilleures que Fe₃Al. Cependant Fe₃Al-Cr/TiC présente une résistance à la piqûration inférieure à celle de deux autres revêtements. / The corrosion behavior of two Fe₃Al intermetallic matrix composite coatings (Fe₃Al/TiC and Fe₃AlCr/TiC) that prepared by high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) technique was studied in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and compared with non-reinforced Fe₃Al. Furthermore, chromium as an alloying element used in the feedstock of HVOF to evaluate the effect of chromium on corrosion behaviour of the coating. Four electrochemical techniques, open circuit potential potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to examine corrosion behavior in detail. Post-corrosion analysis was done using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to reveal the surface morphology and chemistry of the corroded samples. Results from the open circuit potential test revealed that an oxide layer formed on the coating which could be due to oxidation during the HVOF coating process. The Potentiodynamic polarization graphs revealed that adding TiC particles to Fe₃Al matrix improved the corrosion performance of Fe₃Al so that the Fe₃Al/TiC coatings exhibit slightly six times more corrosion rate. The EIS results indicated a more compact corrosion layer formed on the Cr-added coating resulting into the highest coating resistance. This is supported by the SEM/EDS and XPS analyses which revealed that a mixed oxide and hydroxide formed a passive layer. The Cr in the composite coating took the role in providing a more protective passive layer by blocking the entry sites of Clions. The pitting resistance of the Fe₃Al-Cr/TiC coating in 0.25 M H₂SO₄ solution was, however, lower compared to that of the two other coatings. It is concluded that the addition of TiC particles to Fe₃Al matrix, which primarily done for improving wear resistance, improves the corrosion resistance of the coating in saline solution. The addition of Cr into the Fe₃Al/TiC composite coating further improves its corrosion resistance, but the pitting resistance is not improved when tested in acid solution.

Le phénomène de relâchement de nickel des tubes de générateur de vapeur des centrales R.E.P. est responsable d'une grande partie de la contamination radioactive du circuit primaire. Une solution envisagée pour limiter ce relâchement est l'application d'un revêtement anticorrosion, côté interne des tubes. Ce travail vise à étudier la faisabilité et l'efficacité de ce type de traitement de surface dans les conditions du circuit primaire (320°C, 150 bars). L'étude a permis d'établir un procédé de synthèse par voie sol-gel compatible avec des substrats métalliques, conduisant à des films denses et mésoporeux à partir d'alcoxydes de métaux de transition, dont la réactivité est contrôlée par l'ajout de l'acétylacétone. La température de traitement thermique conditionne la cristallisation des films, la formation d'une couche enrichie en chrome contribuant à l'effet anticorrosion et la diffusion de nickel et de fer dans le film. Les films denses de ZrO2 présentent un meilleur effet barrière à la diffusion cationique et constitue une barrière anticorrosion. L'applicabilité des films de ZrO2 sur les tubes de générateur de vapeur à l'état de réception a été réalisée en adaptant l'épaisseur du film. Des essais de vieillissement dans les conditions du milieu primaire en autoclave et dans une boucle à recirculation ont été réalisés. Ces essais ont montré un phénomène de dissolution et reprécipitation des films de TiO2 tandis que les films de ZrO2 conservent davantage leur structure, malgré la formation de porosités en surface. Les films de ZrO2 vieillis pendant 500 h semblent conserver leurs propriétés de barrière à la diffusion de nickel. / Steam generator nickel release represents a major contribution to the radioactive contamination of the Pressurized Water Reactor primary circuit. One of the considered solutions is the deposition of a protective coating on the internal side of the alloy 690 tubes. The goal of this work is to study these coatings and their feasibility and efficiency in the primary circuit conditions (320°C, 150 bars). Firstly, a sol-gel thin film synthesis, leading to dense and mesoporous films, from transition metals alcoxides (butoxide titanium and propoxide zirconium) has been studied. Their reactivity is controlled by acetylacetone, which plays the role of complexing agent. The thermal treatment temperature appears to be a key parameter of the process, as it determines the oxide crystallization, the formation of a rich chromium layer below the film (which reinforces anticorrosion properties) and the nickel and iron diffusion in the film. ZrO2 coatings behave as cationic diffusion barriers and limit the corrosion. The applicability of ZrO2 coatings on industrial substrates, namely steam generators internal side with a 200 nm roughness, has been carried out by adapting the film thickness. Ageing tests in the primary circuit conditions have been conducted in an autoclave and a circulation loop. These tests have shown a dissolution – reprecipitation behavior of TiO2 coatings whereas ZrO2 coatings keep their structure despite the formation of surfacic porosities. ZrO2 dense coatings seem to keep limiting the nickel diffusion after 500 h of ageing in the primary circuit conditions.

Combinations of different acrylic resins and microcrystalline waxes are most often used for the conservation and preservation of metallic archaeological artefacts these days. However, their properties are not sufficient and satisfactory in many ways. Therefore, the aim of this doctoral thesis is to develop a conservation system which will draw on the new knowledge gained in the field of advanced materials and technologies during last years. A conservation coating based on a thin barrier film appears the most promising. The conservation coating must fulfil particularly following rather contradictory requirements: good barrier function against oxygen, humidity and other corrosive agents; transparency because of colour appearance preservation; long term stability and easy removability; possibility to apply to more objects at the same time and reasonable financial requirements of a deposition process. Parylene C polymer was chosen as suitable material for this purpose. It was prepared via modified chemical vapour deposition. Parylene removability was ensured through the soluble interlayer made of Laksil silicone-acrylic lacquer which was applied between the protected metallic object and the parylene thin film. Initially, the deposition process of Laksil/parylene bilayer was optimized, then its physical and chemical characteristics were determined and eventually, they were compared with the conventional conservation coating composed of Paraloid B72 acrylic resin and Revax microcrystalline wax. Regarding to the demands of the conservation coating, we were interested especially in barrier properties, optical properties, surface morphology and removability of Laksil/parylene bilayer. The most useful method for description of coating barrier properties was corrosion testing in which coated metallic samples were exposed to highly corrosive environment of salt spray (made of 50 g•l–1 brine), 100% humidity and temperature of 35 °C (ISO 9227). The Laksil/parylene bilayer showed excellent barrier properties; samples treated this way sustained unchanged in the corrosion chamber for almost three months. The surface roughness measured by profilometry and surface morphology scanned by SEM illustrated the synergy between Laksil and parylene layer which leads to the exceptional barrier and anticorrosion function of bilayer. The Laksil layer is able to flatten out rough surface of a substrate. Furthermore, it can toughen the item surface which is, in case of a number of archaeological findings, created by corrosion product layers with variable mechanical strength. Thereon deposited parylene film becomes smooth and defect free and can act as a good diffusion barrier. The colouristic measurements confirmed that the Laksil/parylene bilayer does not almost change the appearance of protected item, in terms of colour. The caused colour difference (ISO 11664-4) ranged around 1 which value is defined as “perceivable only for experienced observers”. The Laksil/parylene bilayer is removable thanks to the Laksil solubility in xylene. It is necessary to carefully scratch the outer parylene film to enable access of xylene solvent to the lacquer. The successful removal of Laksil/parylene bilayer was first confirmed by the EDX on metallic iron samples. Afterwards, the possibility of bilayer complete removal even from a corroded surface of the original artefact was proved by TGA. Thus the conservation treatment can be considered fully reversible.

This Master´s thesis is devoted to the basic theory from semester project. There are describe completed practical tests, measurements and results. This project was written below patronage of company Siemens s.r.o. odštěpný závod Elektromotory Mohelnice, which is at the same time also my employer. There is production of asynchronous electromotors frame size 56 to 200. On the all of electromotors is desired quality surface treatment with difference on the base of request of customers.

Superhydrophobic coatings (SHC) with excellent self-cleaning and corrosion resistance property is developed on magnetite coated AISI SAE 1020 steel by using a simple immersion method. Roughness measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), contact angle measurement (CAM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), potentiodynamic polarization test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and qualitative characterization of self-cleaning behavior, antifouling property and durability of the coatings are assessed. A water contact angle as high as 152o on the coated surface with excellent self-cleaning and resistivity to corrosion and good longevity in atmospheric air is obtained. Self-cleaning test results prove that these surfaces can find applications in large scale production of engineering materials. Potentiodynamic polarization tests and EIS tests confirm that the superhydrophobic low carbon steel surfaces have better resistance to corrosion compared to bare steel and magnetite coated steel in 3.5% NaCl solution. But the longevity of the coated steel surfaces in 3.5% salt solution is limited, which is revealed by the immersion durability test. However, hydrophobic coatings (HC) have better stability in normal tap water, and it can stay unharmed up to 15 days. Finally, hydrophobic coatings on low carbon steel surface retains hydrophobic in open atmosphere for more than two months. Results of this investigation show surface roughness is a critical factor in manufacturing hydrophobic steel surfaces. Higher contact angles are obtained for rougher and more uniform surfaces. A linear mathematical relationship (y =6x+104; R2 = 0.93) is obtained between contact angle (y) and surface roughness (x).

A corrosão é um fenômeno de interface que deteriora um metal através de reações químicas ou eletroquímicas, sendo caracterizada como um processo espontâneo, onde os materiais são transformados do estado metálico para uma forma combinada, decorrente da interação dos compostos metálicos com as substâncias do meio que estão inseridos. Como os prejuízos oriundos de processos corrosivos são elevados (estimativas mostram que os valores variam em torno de 3% a 4% do PIB de uma nação), estudos que minimizem estes processos são de vital importância econômica. Nos últimos anos, diversas pesquisas foram realizadas com o intuito de estudar superfícies hidrofóbicas e super-hidrofóbicas devido à sua função de autolimpeza, baixa aderência de contaminantes e proteção contra os efeitos corrosivos. Estudos recentes propõem a utilização de ácidos carboxílicos como percussores à formação destas camadas protetoras, sendo que melhores resultados foram obtidos utilizando ácidos carboxílicos de cadeias longas (acima de 11 carbonos). O ácido n-tetradecanóico (CH3(CH2)12COOH) pode ser utilizado sobre cobre e, após 10 dias de imersão em solução alcoólica de 0,06 mol/L, uma película super-hidrofóbica é formada sob o substrato, porém as características superficiais do metal são afetadas e uma camada esverdeada de carboxilato de cobre é formada. O presente trabalho, além de comprovar o efeito protetor desta camada superhidrofóbica formada, propôs a utilização do ácido n-tetradecanóico em um tratamento superficial, de forma a atuar como uma película protetora contra processos corrosivos, considerando curtos períodos de imersão em solução de ácido mirístico de forma a preservar as características superficiais do metal utilizado e torná-lo comercialmente e esteticamente mais atrativo. Os metais avaliados foram: cobre, latão e aço carbono. As técnicas eletroquímicas empregadas para a avaliação da película formada foram: curva de polarização, resistência de polarização linear (Rp) e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE). Medidas de ângulo de contato foram realizadas a fim de comprovar a viii hidrofobicidade do filme formado e espectroscopia de infravermelho e Raman, além da difratometria de raios X, a fim de caracterizar sua composição química. Melhores resultados foram obtidos para cobre, onde os ensaios comprovaram um aumento da hidrofobicidade da superfície metálica à medida que se aumentava o tempo de imersão dos corpos-de-prova em solução alcoólica 0,06 mol/L de ácido ntetradecanóico, atingindo valores de 116,1o e 149,8o após, respectivamente, 12 horas e 5 dias de imersão. Além disso, através de medidas de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, também foi avaliado o grau de proteção da película hidrofóbica formada com relação ao substrato puro, sendo observado um aumento na proteção da superfície após 12 horas de imersão. / Corrosion is an interface phenomenon that deteriorates a metal by chemical or electrochemical reactions. It is characterized as a spontaneous process, where materials are transformed from the metallic state to a combined form. As corrosive processes damages are high (estimates show that the values vary around 3% to 4% of a nation GDP), studies that minimize corrosion reactions are of vital economic importance. Recently, several studies were performed in order to study hydrophobic and superhydrophobic layers due to its self-cleaning function, low adherence of contaminants and protection against corrosive effects. Recent studies propose the use of carboxylic acids as precursors to the formation of such protective layers, with best results being obtained using long chain carboxylic acids (up to 11 carbons). Over copper, the usage of n-tetradecanoic acid (CH3(CH2)12COOH) has showed good results after 10 days immersion in 0.06 mol/L ethanolic solution. Experimental results proved that the super hydrophobic surface could improve significantly the corrosion resistance of copper, although the surfaces have been strongly modified and a green oxidation layer (which is a copper carboxylate) has been formed over the etched copper surface. Besides proving the protective effect of the super-hydrophobic layer formed, this work also studied the use of n-tetradecanoic acid as a temporary protective layer, considering short immersion periods. In this way, the metal surface characteristics were preserved. The metals studied were: copper, brass and carbon steel. The electrochemical techniques employed for evaluation of the formed film were: polarization curves, linear polarization resistance (Rp) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Contact angle measurements were performed to prove the hydrophobicity of the film and X-ray diffraction, Raman and Infrared spectroscopy were also utilized to characterize its composition. x Test samples of these metals were immersed, at ambient temperature, in 0.06 mol/L of n-tetradecanoic ethanolic solution, for different immersion periods, in order to monitor the formation of the protective layer and its hydrophobicity. Furthermore, in order to study the formation and persistence of the formed film, electrochemical tests were also performed in 3.5 wt. % NaCl solution. The results obtained for copper demonstrate an increase of the metal surface hydrophobicity for longer immersion time in 0.06 mol/L n-tetradecanoic acid solution, reaching values of 116.1o and 149.8o after, respectively, 12 hours and 5 days of immersion. Furthermore, the degree of protection of hydrophobic film was also evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and the best results were obtained for 12hs of immersion.

Des revêtements multicouche anticorrosion, ou peintures anticorrosion, sont utilisés dans de nombreuses applications industrielles telles que la protection d’emballages métalliques utilisés pour le transport ou l’entreposage de matériaux radioactifs. En conditions d’usage, les propriétés fonctionnelles de ces peintures peuvent être dégradées sous l’effet de la température et des conditions environnementales (lumière, dioxygène, humidité, …). Ces évolutions ont été attribuées au vieillissement des différentes couches de peinture constituant le revêtement anticorrosion (vernis de structure acrylique-siloxane, sous couches de type résine époxydique à durcisseur amine). Afin de mener à bien cette étude, une approche dite « multi-échelle ascendante » a été développée. Cette méthodologie, initialement focalisée sur la modification des propriétés physico-chimiques des polymères vierges constituant chaque couche du revêtement (depuis l’évolution de la structure chimique et de l’architecture macromoléculaire, vers les propriétés fonctionnelles), est ensuite progressivement complexifiée par l’ajout d’additifs à la formulation des peintures (pigments, particules barrières à l’oxydation ou anticorrosion, …) avant que le revêtement multicouche complet ne soit analysé dans son ensemble. Ce travail de thèse vise à identifier et à corréler les modifications de la structure chimique et de l’architecture macromoléculaire des différentes couches de peinture responsables de la modification des propriétés fonctionnelles du revêtement anticorrosion. / Anti-corrosive multilayer coatings, or anti-corrosive paints, are used in several industrial applications such as metallic package protection used for transportation or storage of radioactive materials. In working conditions, functional properties of these paints could be degraded under the influence heat or environmental conditions (light, oxygen, moisture …). Such evolutions had been attributed to the aging of the different paint layers that constituted the anticorrosive coating (acrylic-siloxane topcoat, epoxy resin with amine hardener undercoats). In order to properly carry out this study, a « bottom-up multiscale approach » has been developed. This methodology, initially focused on the physico-chemical modifications of neat polymers that constituted each layer of the coating (from chemical structure and macromolecular architecture evolutions to functional properties), is then complexified by adding filers to the paint formulations (pigments, barrier or anti-corrosive particles …). The complete multilayer coating analyses are the last steps of that methodology. The aim of this thesis is to identify and correlate the evolution of anti-corrosive multilayer coating functional properties to the chemical and architectural modifications in each different layer.

A corrosão é um fenômeno de interface que deteriora um metal através de reações químicas ou eletroquímicas, sendo caracterizada como um processo espontâneo, onde os materiais são transformados do estado metálico para uma forma combinada, decorrente da interação dos compostos metálicos com as substâncias do meio que estão inseridos. Como os prejuízos oriundos de processos corrosivos são elevados (estimativas mostram que os valores variam em torno de 3% a 4% do PIB de uma nação), estudos que minimizem estes processos são de vital importância econômica. Nos últimos anos, diversas pesquisas foram realizadas com o intuito de estudar superfícies hidrofóbicas e super-hidrofóbicas devido à sua função de autolimpeza, baixa aderência de contaminantes e proteção contra os efeitos corrosivos. Estudos recentes propõem a utilização de ácidos carboxílicos como percussores à formação destas camadas protetoras, sendo que melhores resultados foram obtidos utilizando ácidos carboxílicos de cadeias longas (acima de 11 carbonos). O ácido n-tetradecanóico (CH3(CH2)12COOH) pode ser utilizado sobre cobre e, após 10 dias de imersão em solução alcoólica de 0,06 mol/L, uma película super-hidrofóbica é formada sob o substrato, porém as características superficiais do metal são afetadas e uma camada esverdeada de carboxilato de cobre é formada. O presente trabalho, além de comprovar o efeito protetor desta camada superhidrofóbica formada, propôs a utilização do ácido n-tetradecanóico em um tratamento superficial, de forma a atuar como uma película protetora contra processos corrosivos, considerando curtos períodos de imersão em solução de ácido mirístico de forma a preservar as características superficiais do metal utilizado e torná-lo comercialmente e esteticamente mais atrativo. Os metais avaliados foram: cobre, latão e aço carbono. As técnicas eletroquímicas empregadas para a avaliação da película formada foram: curva de polarização, resistência de polarização linear (Rp) e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE). Medidas de ângulo de contato foram realizadas a fim de comprovar a viii hidrofobicidade do filme formado e espectroscopia de infravermelho e Raman, além da difratometria de raios X, a fim de caracterizar sua composição química. Melhores resultados foram obtidos para cobre, onde os ensaios comprovaram um aumento da hidrofobicidade da superfície metálica à medida que se aumentava o tempo de imersão dos corpos-de-prova em solução alcoólica 0,06 mol/L de ácido ntetradecanóico, atingindo valores de 116,1o e 149,8o após, respectivamente, 12 horas e 5 dias de imersão. Além disso, através de medidas de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, também foi avaliado o grau de proteção da película hidrofóbica formada com relação ao substrato puro, sendo observado um aumento na proteção da superfície após 12 horas de imersão. / Corrosion is an interface phenomenon that deteriorates a metal by chemical or electrochemical reactions. It is characterized as a spontaneous process, where materials are transformed from the metallic state to a combined form. As corrosive processes damages are high (estimates show that the values vary around 3% to 4% of a nation GDP), studies that minimize corrosion reactions are of vital economic importance. Recently, several studies were performed in order to study hydrophobic and superhydrophobic layers due to its self-cleaning function, low adherence of contaminants and protection against corrosive effects. Recent studies propose the use of carboxylic acids as precursors to the formation of such protective layers, with best results being obtained using long chain carboxylic acids (up to 11 carbons). Over copper, the usage of n-tetradecanoic acid (CH3(CH2)12COOH) has showed good results after 10 days immersion in 0.06 mol/L ethanolic solution. Experimental results proved that the super hydrophobic surface could improve significantly the corrosion resistance of copper, although the surfaces have been strongly modified and a green oxidation layer (which is a copper carboxylate) has been formed over the etched copper surface. Besides proving the protective effect of the super-hydrophobic layer formed, this work also studied the use of n-tetradecanoic acid as a temporary protective layer, considering short immersion periods. In this way, the metal surface characteristics were preserved. The metals studied were: copper, brass and carbon steel. The electrochemical techniques employed for evaluation of the formed film were: polarization curves, linear polarization resistance (Rp) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Contact angle measurements were performed to prove the hydrophobicity of the film and X-ray diffraction, Raman and Infrared spectroscopy were also utilized to characterize its composition. x Test samples of these metals were immersed, at ambient temperature, in 0.06 mol/L of n-tetradecanoic ethanolic solution, for different immersion periods, in order to monitor the formation of the protective layer and its hydrophobicity. Furthermore, in order to study the formation and persistence of the formed film, electrochemical tests were also performed in 3.5 wt. % NaCl solution. The results obtained for copper demonstrate an increase of the metal surface hydrophobicity for longer immersion time in 0.06 mol/L n-tetradecanoic acid solution, reaching values of 116.1o and 149.8o after, respectively, 12 hours and 5 days of immersion. Furthermore, the degree of protection of hydrophobic film was also evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and the best results were obtained for 12hs of immersion.