The effects of adsorbed polymers on the rate of saltwater corrosion was investigated. Binary condensation polymers capable of chelation to the metal were compared to linear nonligating polymers. Polymers used were poly(2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole-3,3 prime -thiodipropionate), poly(1,3-propanedithiol-3,3 prime -thiodipropionate), poly(1,2-ethanedithiol-3,3 prime -thiodipropionate), poly(1,2-ethanedithiol-2,2 prime -thiodiglycolate), and poly(vinylchloride). Poly(vinylchloride) showed no corrosion inhibition while all the chelating polymers produced significant inhibition.