Conventional antifreezes use which type of additives to achieve corrosion and scale protection?

Conventional antifreezes use which type of additives to achieve corrosion and scale protection?

• A. Organic
• B. Organic and inorganic blends
• C. Inorganic compounds
• D. Inorganic

Answer: (D)

Conventional antifreezes rely on inorganic corrosion inhibitors. Additives like silicates, phosphates, and borates are used to form protective films on metal surfaces (such as iron, steel, copper alloys, and sometimes aluminum) that slow corrosion in the cooling system. They also help manage scale by keeping minerals in solution or by forming protective layers that minimize deposition. This approach matches older, standard coolant formulations. Modern extended-life antifreezes often use organic acid–based inhibitors, but the conventional type specifically uses inorganic additives for both corrosion protection and scale control.

Conventional antifreezes rely on inorganic corrosion inhibitors. Additives like silicates, phosphates, and borates are used to form protective films on metal surfaces (such as iron, steel, copper alloys, and sometimes aluminum) that slow corrosion in the cooling system. They also help manage scale by keeping minerals in solution or by forming protective layers that minimize deposition. This approach matches older, standard coolant formulations. Modern extended-life antifreezes often use organic acid–based inhibitors, but the conventional type specifically uses inorganic additives for both corrosion protection and scale control.