Swertia chirata extract mediated synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles and its use as corrosion inhibitor for stainless steel 316 L in Ringer’s solution

Abstract

Artificial biomedical devices are used to replace, repair or improve the functioning of damaged body organs or tissue. Corrosion of the metallic component placed in the human body leads to their failure or improper functioning. This study focuses on the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) by Swertia chirata extract and its use as a corrosion inhibitor for stainless steel (SS) 316 L in Ringer’s solution. Ringer’s solution mimics isotonic natural body fluids that may lead to corrosion of biomedical implants. UV–vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and XRD were used for the NPs characterisation. The NPs were spherical in shape and 10–20 nm in size. The corrosion inhibition efficiency was measured using gravimetric and electrochemical methods. SEM and AFM analysis confirmed the corrosion preventive effect of iron oxide NPs on the SS-316L surface. Further, a concentration-dependent increase in the inhibition efficiency was observed with maximum 78.37% corrosion inhibition at 100 ppm NPs concentration. Thus, iron oxide NPs can be utilised as a potent anti-corrosive agent which can protect the metal surface from further deterioration in harsh body environments.