Effect of Artabotrys odoratissimus extract as an environmentally sustainable inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 media

Abstract

Artabotrys odoratissimus inhibitory effect on mild steel (MS) corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution has been assessed utilizing mass loss, electrochemical potentiodynamic polarization, and impedance spectroscopy techniques. The Artabotrys odoratissimus plant has a wide range of bioactive compounds. Phytochemicals were tested for ethanolic Artabotrys odoratissimus leaves extract (AOLE) using the FeCl3 test, Salkowaski's test, and others. Corrosion tests were conducted at varying inhibitor concentrations and temperatures. The inhibitory impact of AOLE on corrosion of MS was reported to improve with increasing concentration. Polarization experiments revealed that AOLE is a mixed kind of inhibitor and the inhibition efficacy (ηw) for MS is 93.27% for 1.25 g/L AOLE. For Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), maximal inhibitory efficacy (ηw) was 91.62% due to AOLE adsorption on the MS surface. The obtained results using each methodology are highly consistent and closely resemble each other. The adsorption of AOLE molecules on an MS surface from the bulk of the solution causes the inhibitor's inhibition action, and the adsorption mechanism follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The computed ΔGadso values ranged between −32.919 and −33.520 kJ mol−1, implying a spontaneous and exothermic inhibitory action. The thermodynamic and activation parameters are often used to understand corrosion inhibition mechanisms. The comparison of corrosion product and pure extract FT-IR spectrum indicates the nature of AOLE adsorption on the MS surface. The surface morphology of MS samples was assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and contact angle techniques.