Corrosion constitutes a significant challenge in the context of infrastructure development, with particular implications for steel materials. One common method for preventing corrosion is the application of inhibitor materials. Inhibitors are classified into two main categories: organic inhibitors and inorganic inhibitors. Inorganic inhibitors are costly and may have adverse environmental effects. Consequently, organic inhibitors that are cost-effective and environmentally benign were developed. One plant that has the potential to be used as an organic inhibitor is Lophatherum gracile B. (Lophatherum gracile Brogn), due to its antioxidant compounds that can prevent corrosion. The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of the Lophatherum gracile B. extract inhibitor on the corrosion rate and its inhibition efficiency on reinforcing steel. The weight loss method was employed to determine the corrosion rate in a 3% sodium chloride (NaCl) medium, with concentration variations of 0%, 2%, and 4% over a duration of 24, 72, and 96 hours. The findings indicated that the lowest corrosion rate was observed at the 4% concentration, while the highest rate was noted at the 0% concentration. The inhibition efficiency of the Lophatherum gracile B. extract was determined to be greater than 66%. The qualitative analysis of the macro photo material structure indicated that the steel surface treated with Lophatherum gracile B. extract exhibited a reduced level of corrosion in comparison to the control sample. Furthermore, the tensile strength testing demonstrated that the decline in the tensile strength of steel could be attenuated through the use of inhibitors. These findings suggest that the Lophatherum gracile B. extract is an effective inhibitor material for reinforcing steel.
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