Convolvulus microphyllus Extract as a Green, Effective, and Affordable Corrosion Inhibitor: Theoretical Calculations and Experimental Studies

Abstract

This study demonstrates the ability of Convolvulus microphyllus extract to prevent low-carbon steel corrosion (LCS) by varying inhibitor concentration. The effectiveness of the corrosion reaction was examined using gravimetric techniques and electrochemical procedures in a corrosive 0.5 M sulfuric acid medium. The results of polarization show a mixed adsorption nature on the LCS surface. C. microphyllus-derived film (extract) had an inhibition efficiency (IE) of 92.47% at an inhibitor concentration of 600 mg/L and a temperature 298 K. To examine the morphology, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to analyze the external films that protect LCS from sulfuric acid. A thin protective coat of inhibitor outside the LCS substrate follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Additionally, computational exploration provided vital insights. The results of these experimental inhibitory outcomes are consistent with those of molecular dynamic simulations.