Inhibitive effect by acid extract of ficus exasperata leaves on the sulphuric acid corrosion of mild steel

Abstract

Extract of Ficus exasperata leaves was investigated as corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in 1 N H2SO4 using conventional weight loss, electrochemical polarizations, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopic studies. The weight loss results showed that the extract of Ficus exasperata is excellent corrosion inhibitor. Electrochemical polarizations data revealed the mixed mode of inhibition. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the change in the impedance parameters, charge transfer resistance and double layer capacitance, with the change in concentration of the extract is due to the adsorption of active molecules leading to the formation of a protective layer on the surface of mild steel. Scanning electron microscopic studies provided the confirmatory evidence of improved surface condition, due to the adsorption, for the corrosion protection.