초록
Purpose: To investigate the corrosion inhibition effect of the natural spearmint oil extracted from Mentha Spicata plants on 304 stainless steel in different concentrations of hydrochloric acid. Method: The anti-corrosive effect has been investigated in 0.5m, 1m and 2m HCl using weight loss test and electrochemical polarization method as a function of inhibitor concentration and immersion time in strong chloride environment. The surface morphology was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The corrosion rate of steel decreased and inhibition efficiency increased with the increase in inhibitor concentration. Microscopic evaluation revealed significant corrosion in the specimens immersed in uninhibited conditions. Potentiodynamic polarization test results showed an increase in corrosion potential (Ecorr) and decrease in corrosion current (icorr) value with increasing concentration of inhibitor. Conclusions: Immersion of steel in higher concentration of inhibitor resulted in greater surface coverage value and hence lesser number of surface corrosion sites/pores were formed; thus lowering the corrosion rate.