Compositions and methods are disclosed for preventing the oxidative
corrosion of
metal surfaces by exposing such a surface to an anti-
corrosion agent characterized as a lower
alkyl carboxylic acid or salts and / or other derivatives that conserve or embody the lower
alkyl carboxylic acid moiety present in their molecular structure. The anti-
corrosion agent may be used in combination with a material capable of forming a
moisture retentive barrier over the
metal surface. Compositions and methods of preparing food and / or beverage preservatives or stabilizers are also disclosed. To prepare a
preservative composition, an ingestible anti-corrosion agent, such as an ingestible agent including a lower
alkyl carboxylic acid moiety, is combined with a suitable
food grade polymer. The anti-corrosion agent and
polymer are admixed in a particular order to maximize the
preservative properties thereof. The compositions and methods of the invention provide a practical, non-toxic way, e.g., of ensuring anti-corrosion protection for metals, or devices containing exposed metals, stored or operated in water or in the presence of
water vapor. Exemplary, non-exhaustive uses of the invention include employing the composition as
lubricant for the surface of a
metal or as a pump oil or
brake fluid; using the composition as an undercoating for painting, electro-plating or electro-
polishing procedures; and providing a protective
coating for any metal or metal-containing
machine or device, form automotive
assembly plant metal press machines to
electronic circuit boards.