Evaluation of corrosion inhibition and adsorption behavior of Thymuszygis subsp. gracilis volatile compounds on mild steel surface in 1 m HCl

Abstract

AbstractThe inhibition effect ofThymus zygissubsp.gracilis(TZ) on mild steel corrosion in 1mhydrochloric acid has been investigated by weight loss measurements, surface analysis [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), three-dimensional (3D) profilometry, and Fourier transform infrared analysis], potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Gravimetric results indicate that TZ exhibits good inhibition efficiency of 80.40% attained at 3 g/l. Polarization measurements show that the studied inhibitor is a mixed type. EIS measurements revealed that the charge transfer resistance increases with increasing concentration of TZ, which suggests a Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Based on SEM-EDX and 3D profilometry, it appears that the surface is remarkably improved in the presence of TZ oil compared to that exposed to the acid medium without TZ oil. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that this oil is a new natural substance that can be used against material corrosion in aggressive medium.