Essential oil of “Foeniculum vulgare”: antioxidant and corrosion inhibitor on mild steel immersed in hydrochloric medium

Abstract

Purpose The inhibition effect of Foeniculum vulgare seeds’ (FVS) extract on the corrosion of mild steel in acidic medium was studied using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization, as well as the surface morphology of the mild steel. Design/methodology/approach Weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy analysis of FVS extract were performed. Findings FVS extract acts as a good inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl. The inhibition efficiency increases with the increase in inhibitor concentration but decreases with the increase of temperature. Practical implications FVS extract was observed to play an important role in the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acidic solution. Originality/value This paper is intended to be added to the family of green inhibitors which are highly efficient inhibitors and can be used in the area of corrosion prevention and control.