Potential and polarization in electrolyte solution were measured for copper strips coated with a poly(vinyl acetate) emulsion with optional addition of an unspecified anti-adhesion agent and a benzotriazole corrosion inhibitor. The protective action of the inhibitor-containing coatings was explained not by an increase in their barrier properties but solely by the properties of the inhibitor in retarding anodic and cathodic reactions on the copper surface. -- AATA