Chrysophyllum Albidum Extract as a New and Green Protective Agent for metal

Abstract

The destruction of metallic materials is an economic and environmental challenge. Traditional corrosion inhibitors are often toxic and nonbiodegradable. This study evaluates the protective performance of an extract from the leaves of Chrysophyllum albidum, a plant known for its medicinal properties, for mitigating metal destruction in aggressive systems. Gravimetric measurements and PDP techniques were employed to investigate the protective performance for metal in 1 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions by the C. albidum leaf extract at different concentrations (400-1600 mg/L) and time periods (up to 96 hrs). The results showed the highest protection ability of over 94%, with inhibition increasing with higher extract concentrations. Polarization studies indicated a mixed inhibition mechanism, reducing both anodic dissolution and cathodic hydrogen evolution rates. GC‒MS analysis identified major organic constituents in the extract. Thermodynamic data fitted the Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting chemisorptive adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the mild steel surface. Computational methods, including DFT, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum chemical calculations, provided insight into inhibitor-metal interactions and adsorption behavior at the molecular level. Overall, the study demonstrates that C. albidum leaf extract is a promising green alternative to synthetic corrosion inhibitors. It inhibits mild steel corrosion efficiently and could potentially be developed as a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for industrial applications requiring corrosion control and protection.