Botanical corrosion inhibitors in reinforced concrete: material sustainability assessment and analysis - a review

Various methodologies have emerged over the past few decades aimed at controlling and mitigating corrosion. A new field has emerged in controlling corrosion through the use of plant-based corrosion inhibitors. The exploration of botanical extracts’ efficacy marks a significant shift in corrosion science, tapping into the potential and utility offered by green plants. This comprehensive study serves as a review encompassing the spectrum of botanical extracts and their applications in diverse contexts concerning reinforced structures. This research critically assesses the correlation between phytochemical compositions, the methodologies employed in solvent extraction, and the adsorption mechanisms pivotal for enhancing the efficacy of plant extracts in corrosion inhibition. The primary objective lies in uncovering the role of inhibitors in safeguarding embedded steel within concrete structures while aiming to curtail corrosion rates. A focal point of this investigation revolves around the transition from employing toxic inhibitors to environmentally friendly botanical extracts for corrosion mitigation. Furthermore, this study accentuates the range of botanical extracts used as corrosion inhibitors shedding light on the specific phytochemical components responsible for driving the corrosion inhibition process. Notably, it expounds upon the future prospects of corrosion inhibitors, outlining the inherent challenges that must be addressed to facilitate their scalability for widespread commercial utilization.