Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Inhibitor Efficiency of Eucalyptus globulus Leaf Essential Oil (EuEO) on Mild Steel Corrosion in a Molar Hydrochloric Acid Medium

Abstract

As a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a molar hydrochloric acid medium, we investigated the potential of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EuEO). Through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization curves, and theoretical methods, including DFT/B3LYP 6-31G (d, p) and Monte Carlo simulations, the interactions between the EuEO components and the steel surface were analyzed. D-Allose, Betulinaldehyde, and Uvaol were identified as the major active compounds in the GC-MS analysis. The experimental results showed that EuEO reached an inhibitory efficiency as high as 97% at a 1 g/L concentration. The findings suggest that EuEO operates as a mixed-type inhibitor, reducing both cathodic and anodic reactions, as well as building up a protective coating on the steel surface. Simulations also confirmed that EuEO molecules function as electron donors and acceptors, enhancing corrosion resistance.