M. O. OISAKEDE

This study investigates the effectiveness of clove oil extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel immersed in simulated seawater. Corrosion in chloride-rich marine environments leads to rapid metal degradation, and natural plant-based inhibitors offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. Clove oil was extracted using ethanol-based solvent extraction, and mild steel specimens were exposed to 3.5% NaCl solutions containing 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of the extract. Electrochemical analyses, including Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization were conducted, alongside surface characterization using FTIR, SEM, and EDS. Results showed that the optimum inhibitor concentration (0.3 mL) produced a significant noble shift in OCP, stabilizing around +0.07 V compared to the unstable blank sample. Tafel analysis revealed a reduction in corrosion current density from 2.287 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm² (control) to 0.887 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm², corresponding to an inhibition efficiency of 61.22%. EIS results confirmed enhanced surface protection, with charge-transfer resistance increasing from 1.8 × 10⁵ Ω·cm² for the blank to 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω·cm² at 0.3 mL. SEM images showed a smoother, film-covered surface at higher inhibitor concentrations, while EDS detected reduced Fe intensity and increased oxygen content. FTIR confirmed the presence of O–H, C–O, and aromatic C=C functional groups responsible for adsorption. This study concluded that clove oil extract has a strong protective effect, confirming its potential as an efficient eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in saline environments. It is recommended that future studies explore clove extract synergistically with other natural inhibitors to further improve corrosion resistance.

This study investigates the effectiveness of clove oil extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel immersed in simulated seawater. Corrosion in chloride-rich marine environments leads to rapid metal degradation, and natural plant-based inhibitors offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. Clove oil was extracted using ethanol-based solvent extraction, and mild steel specimens were exposed to 3.5% NaCl solutions containing 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of the extract. Electrochemical analyses, including Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization were conducted, alongside surface characterization using FTIR, SEM, and EDS. Results showed that the optimum inhibitor concentration (0.3 mL) produced a significant noble shift in OCP, stabilizing around +0.07 V compared to the unstable blank sample. Tafel analysis revealed a reduction in corrosion current density from 2.287 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm² (control) to 0.887 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm², corresponding to an inhibition efficiency of 61.22%. EIS results confirmed enhanced surface protection, with charge-transfer resistance increasing from 1.8 × 10⁵ Ω·cm² for the blank to 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω·cm² at 0.3 mL. SEM images showed a smoother, film-covered surface at higher inhibitor concentrations, while EDS detected reduced Fe intensity and increased oxygen content. FTIR confirmed the presence of O–H, C–O, and aromatic C=C functional groups responsible for adsorption. This study concluded that clove oil extract has a strong protective effect, confirming its potential as an efficient eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in saline environments. It is recommended that future studies explore clove extract synergistically with other natural inhibitors to further improve corrosion resistance.