Evaluation of Ficus krishnae plant leaves extract as a potent green and sustainable corrosion inhibitor for low-carbon steel in 1.0 M HCl medium

Abstract

Ficus krishnae (Krishna butter cup) plant leaf extract (FKLE) comprises several bioactive components. In order to control the corrosion of low-carbon steel (LCS) in a 1.0 M hydrochloric acid medium, an investigation was conducted on the environmentally friendly inhibitor FKLE. The sustainable FKLE inhibitor forms a fine layer on low-carbon steel and reduces the deterioration in hydrochloric acid medium. The corrosion rate, effectiveness of inhibitors, and impact of temperature were investigated. Calculations were made for the percentage inhibition efficiency, corrosion current density, corrosion potential, and the cathodic and anodic slopes of the Tafel. The FKLE was shown to be the most effective corrosion inhibitor, with a 98.31% inhibition efficiency at 150 ppm. The change in surface morphology of corroded and protected LCS exteriors was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopic techniques. The surface roughness and hydrophobic nature of LCS with and without Ficus krishnae leaf extract were analyzed using AFM and water contact angle (WCA) approaches, respectively.