Use of Opuntia ficus extract as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic media

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to study the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel (CS) using a “green” inhibitor, Opuntia ficus-indica, in an aerated, 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution at different concentrations and temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

Weight loss determinations, surface studies, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization were applied during the investigation.

Findings

It was observed that Opuntia ficus-indica extract can decrease the corrosion rate of CS, and its efficiency increases with increasing concentration up to 1,000 ppm and with time, but decreases with increasing the temperature from 25 to 600C. The inhibitory activity is due to the presence of phenolic compounds in its chemical structure.

Research limitations/implications

The work was done under static conditions, whereas in acid cleaning conditions, there is a dynamic system. However, the findings may apply to both the systems.

Practical implications

CS is used in acidic environments in the acid cleaning industry.

Social implications

Results of this work show that it is possible to reduce the cost of repair of equipment and the environmental impact of corrosion.

Originality/value

There are very few investigations on the study of Opuntia ficus-indica leaf extract as a green inhibitor in an acidic environment.

Citation

Suarez-Hernandez, R., G. Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J., F. Dominguez-Patiño, G. and Martinez-Villafañe, A. (2014), "Use of Opuntia ficus extract as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic media", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 61 No. 4, pp. 224-231. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-01-2013-1238