Formation of mineral scales of carbonate and sulphate poses significant problems in cooling water systems. For
the control of calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate scales, copolymer of acrylic acid-diphenyl amine sulphonic
acid (AA-DPSA) was tried as the anticalant in the respective brines. The copolymer of AA-DPSA was synthesized
by following a free radical polymerization procedure. AA-DPSA was characterized by Fourier transform infra-red
spectroscopy (FT-IR). The molecular weight of the polymer was measured by using Effiex viscometer. The antiscaling
properties of the polymer towards CaCO 3 and CaSO 4 scales were studied through a chemical screening test and
electrochemical techniques such as constant potential electrolysis and electrochemical impedance measurements at
different pH, temperature and inhibitor concentrations. The effect of the polymer addition on the crystals ofCaCO 3
and CaSO 4 scales morphology and structures were examined through scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and Xray
diffraction studies (XRD). The results show that the AA-DPSA polymer acts as a very good antiscaling inhibitor
both in the carbonate and sulphate brines. Copolymer of acrylic acid-diphenyl amine sulphonic acid can be used
safely in cooling water industries.