Influence of Watermelon Seed Extract on the Electrochemical Corrosion Protection of Copper in the Saline Environment

Corrosion is a major issue affecting the durability and performance of copper in industrial applications, particularly in high-salinity environments. Traditional methods for corrosion inhibition often involve toxic chemicals, posing significant health and environmental risks. In response to these challenges, this study explores an innovative, eco-friendly alternative by using watermelon seed extract as a natural corrosion inhibitor for copper in brine. This research is among the first to investigate watermelon seed extract in this context, offering a sustainable substitute for synthetic inhibitors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) paired with EDAX analysis reveals the extract' s uniform coverage on the copper surface, with elemental analysis showing notable amounts of carbon (76.4%) and oxygen (17.2%), providing valuable insights into the extract' s interaction at the microstructural level. Additionally, FTIR analysis confirms the presence of carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, which impart hydrophobic properties crucial for corrosion resistance. The corrosion inhibition performance is evaluated using multiple electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), open circuit potential (OCP), and Tafel polarization curves (TC), demonstrating how inhibition efficiency is influenced by the concentration of the extract. The study identifies an optimal concentration of 200μ L for maximum protection, highlighting the potential for fine-tuning natural extracts for industrial corrosion prevention. By demonstrating the efficacy of watermelon seed extract, this research promotes green chemistry principles, providing a safer, more environmentally friendly solution to corrosion inhibition while advancing sustainability in industrial applications.