Application of Gambier Concentrate and Coconut Shell Smoke Condensate as Eco-friendly Inhibitors Against Magnesium Carbonate Precipitation

This study focused on inhibiting the formation of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) scale using a green inhibitor obtained from a blend of gambier concentrate and liquid smoke. The experiment utilized the unseeded method, and the inhibitors were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A 0.050 M MgCO3 growth solution was treated with a combination of gambier concentrate and grade 2 smoke condensate derived from coconut shell at varying concentrations. The findings demonstrate that this inhibitor combination is of high quality and effectively suppresses MgCO3 scale formation, achieving an inhibition rate exceeding 90%. This conclusion is supported by the observed alterations in the crystal morphology and particle size distribution of MgCO3, which were examined using particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy. The inclusion of inhibitors led to the transformation of crystal structure, resulting in thin and small sheets instead of the original granular form. Further analysis of the MgCO3 crystal structure with X-ray diffraction disclosed notable intensity variations upon the addition of inhibitors. Consequently, the gambier concentrate and grade 2 smoke condensate combination from coconut shell in all its variations enhance the quality of the inhibitor mixture. This combination shows promise as a green inhibitor for preventing MgCO3 scale formation to save our environment.