Melaleuca leaves extract as eco-friendly inhibitor for low carbon steel in sulfuric acid

A by-product of the making of essential oil from Melaleuca leaves can be re-extracted to produce an inhibitor. Melaleuca leaves extract (MLE), as an alternative corrosion inhibitor, was employed to protect low-carbon steel (LCS) in a sulfuric acid medium. Adsorption and corrosion inhibition were examined using electrochemical tests. MLE functioned as a mixed-type inhibitor with an optimal inhibitory efficacy of 98.99%. The inhibition by MLE on LCS was based on the Temkin adsorption isotherm and physisorption. The study demonstrated the potential of MLE derived from biomass by-product as a nature-friendly corrosion inhibitor that offers new insights and opportunities.