Efficiency of a green inhibitor extracted from the watermelon peel in the corrosion of structural steel A36 evaluated in acid and saline media

Abstract

Carbon steel corrosion is one of the most common problems in industries such as oil, gas and energy production, where in addition to aggressive media, different corrosive substances are used as acids [1]. The use of corrosion inhibitors is specifically used and is the most economical way to provide temporary protection against corrosion, many synthetic compounds have demonstrated good anticorrosive activity. However, most of them are highly toxic to humans and the environment [2]. That is why, today natural products are investigated and implemented as anticorrosive agents [3]. In this investigation, an extract is obtained and evaluated from the sand shell (Citrullus lanatus) as a corrosion inhibitor of structural steel A36 in acid medium (0.5 M HCl) and saline medium (3.5 % NaCl) at Different exposure times. (0, 11 and 24 days). Corrosion behavior was studied from weight loss and electrochemical methods such as Tafel extrapolation. In addition, a metallographic analysis of the samples exposed to the media with and without inhibitor was performed. The structure was analyzed microstructurally through microscopic observation. Finally, the efficacy of the inhibitor was determined.