A Comprehensive Corrosion Inhibition Behaviour Studies of Leucophyllum frutescens Leaves Extract for Mild Steel

In an effort to address corrosion in an environmentally conscious manner, a current study has investigated the efficacy of an acid extract derived from Leucophyllum frutescens leaves as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic conditions (1.0 M HCl solution). The investigation, conducted at room temperature using standard mass loss and electrochemical techniques, varied the extract concentration, temperature and immersion time. Through these experiments, an adsorption isotherm was established and kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were evaluated. The electrochemical measurements suggested a mixed mode of inhibition. Surface analytical techniques including FT-IR, UV-visible, SEM and 3D optical profilometer were employed to confirm the inhibitor’s effectiveness in preventing corrosion by protecting the mild steel surface and impeding hydrogen evolution and metal dissolution. The findings indicate that L. frutescens leaves extract offers promising corrosion protection while being environmental friendly due to its biodegradability and lack of harmful substances such as heavy metals.