Author(s): Ikuve T, Amine JD and Ashwe A

Abstract: The inhibitive effect of Raphia palm extract on the corrosion of mild steel in citric acid was investigated using Weight Loss, Electrochemical, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. Raphia palm extract was found to inhibit the corrosion of mild steel at all concentrations used for the study ie, 0.1 v/v% - 2.0 v/v%. The maximum inhibition efficiency of 94.74% was attained at 2.0 v/v% concentration in 0.5 M C6H8O7. Results obtained from Weight Loss Measurements showed that the inhibition efficiency varies with the inhibitor concentration as well as the immersion period; at higher concentrations and an increase in the immersion period, the inhibition efficiency remains almost constant, whereas at lower concentrations and an increase in the immersion period the inhibition efficiency decreases. The decrease in inhibition efficiency with an increase in the immersion period is attributed to increased desorption and decreased adsorption of the inhibitor on the metal surface. Electrochemical studies showed that the inhibitor is of mixed type with a slight predominance of cathodic character for citric acid. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies confirm the formation of a protective layer on the metal surface.

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