Evaluation of 2-(salicylideneimino) thiophenol and other Schiff bases as bronze corrosion inhibitors by electrochemical techniques and surface analysis

•New Schiff bases tested as bronze corrosion inhibitors in concentrated acid rain.•2-(Salicylideneimino) thiophenol (SITP) afforded η = 100% after 480 h immersion.•Duplex protective film formed: adsorbed SITP molecules over a Cu(I)-SITP layer.•Phosphates (P) added to SITP produced higher resistance against localized attack.•SITP and SITP + P hindered bronze decuprification in concentrated acid rain.