Corrosion inhibition assessment of the Curcumis melon extract on low-carbon steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, DFT and MD simulation studies

Abstract

This study mentions a unique use of the Curcumis melon extract via a green route to reduce steel corrosion through electrochemical and computational tests. The main components of the Cucurmis melon extract include oleic acid, saponins, and tannins. They have a significant impact on mild steel’s ability to resist corrosion in aggressive media. A range of techniques, including loss of steel coupon’s weight (WL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, were used to investigate the suppression of corrosion on the steel in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. The maximum efficiency in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ was 92.4% at 2500 mgL⁻¹. The SEM investigation was carried out to verify the metal’s surface coverage. The hydroxyl group and aromatic rings, which raise the electron density in certain areas of the molecule, are what make the inhibitor effective, according to molecular studies. These areas have a higher electron density, which increases their probability of interacting with positively charged metal ions on the metal surface and contributing electrons.

Graphical abstract