Evaluation of the potential of Schinus Terebinthifolius leaves essential oil as a green inhibitor for E24 steel corrosion in acidic solution

The inhibitive action of Schinus Terebinthifolius Leaves Essential Oil (STLEO) on the corrosion of E24 steel in 1 M HCl solution was investigated using open circuit potential-time measurements (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and weight loss (WL). Combining EDX assessment with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed for an investigation of the surface morphology of E24 steel. The highest inhibitory efficiencies for the WL, EIS, and PDP methods at 1 g/L of STLEO are 89.33, 85.36, and 88.63%, respectively. It was found that the corrosion inhibition performance depends on the concentration of the studied inhibitor and the solution temperature. Based on Langmuir’s isotherm, the tests have demonstrated that STLEO inhibits the corrosion E24 steel in acidic media through a physical adsorption process. The surface morphological observation revealed that the Essential oil forms a barrier that inhibits the transfer of active corrosive species to E24 steel surfaces. Insights from experimental approaches emphasize STLEO’s potential as an effective green corrosion inhibitor, offering valuable contributions to practical corrosion protection methods, particularly beneficial for industries relying on E24 steel components in corrosive environments.