Investigation of Eco-friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Low Carbon Steel Using Extract of Physalis Minima Leaves

In this present study, Physalis minima were used to identify its potential as eco-friendly and non-toxic corrosion inhibitor with its action on low carbon steel. At an optimized concentration of 10% (v/v) of the inhibitor, maximum efficiency of 98% was attained at an optimal temperature of 298 K on low carbon steel in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid. Inhibition efficiency on low carbon steel decreased with increasing temperature which indicated physical adsorption. Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicated that this extract performs as mixed type inhibitor with predominance in anodic effect. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed impedance response of mild steel increased by the addition of the inhibitor. Surface analysis using scanning electron microscope confirmed the smooth protective layer formation of inhibitor on low carbon surface. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that inhibitor molecule precludes the formation of iron oxides and inhibits the corrosion through its strong adsorption on the low carbon steel surface. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.