Ficus virens leaves extract as green corrosion inhibitor for N80 steel in 1 M HCl

Conventional metal corrosion inhibitors often face limitations such as high cost, poor biodegradability, and environmental toxicity. In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, this study introduces Ficus virens leaf extract (FVLE) as a novel, green corrosion inhibitor for N80 steel. The inhibition performance was evaluated using open-circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and polarization curves. Results show that FVLE provides concentration-dependent protection, with adsorption following the Langmuir isotherm model. Surface characterization (SEM, AFM, XPS) confirms the formation of a protective layer, indicating excellent inhibition properties. Furthermore, quantum chemical calculations reveal that the active components in FVLE exhibit favorable frontline orbital distributions, identifying key adsorption sites that promote strong interaction with the metal surface. The combining experimental evidence with computational insights to validate FVLE as a low-cost, biodegradable, and highly effective inhibitor, offering significant application potential for sustainable corrosion protection in acidic environments.