The electrochemical behavior of zinc in strong alkaline solutions containing potassium hydroxide and poly(ethyleneglycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether (PEG diacid) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a molecular weight of 600 was evaluated. Electrochemical studies included anodic, cathodic, and linear polarization along with potentiostatic studies. Zinc corrosion inhibition properties of PEG diacid 600 in strong alkaline solution are much more efficient by far than the inhibition capability of PEG 600. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.