Exploring the Efficacy of a Potent Corrosion Suppressant Derived from Trandescantia Pallida (Purpple Heart) Leaves: A Qualitative Assessment

The corrosion inhibiting effect of Tradescantia pallida leaf extract (TPLE) on low carbon steel in a sulphuric acid medium was investigated. Weight loss experiments were conducted at two temperatures, 27°C and 60°C, using six low carbon steel coupons of known dimensions, compositions, and weights over a 3-day immersion period. The results revealed that TPLE exhibited significant corrosion inhibition properties, as evidenced by the reduction in weight loss of the low carbon steel samples. This indicates its potential as a corrosion inhibitor for low carbon steel in sulphuric acid environments. Further studies are recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms of TPLE's corrosion inhibition and optimize its usage in industrial applications. The results obtained from the study demonstrated that at a temperature of 27°C, the addition of only 0.5 g L-1 of Tradescantia pallida leaf extract (TPLE) significantly suppressed the corrosion rate of low carbon steel. The corrosion rate decreased from 20.380 mm/yr to 1.446 mm/yr, resulting in an impressive inhibitor efficiency of 92.91%. As the dosage of TPLE was increased from 0.5 g L-1 to 2.5 g L-1, the inhibitor efficiency showed a proportional increase, reaching a remarkable 95.85% at the highest dosage of 2.5 g L-1 in the inhibitor solution. These findings highlight the potential of TPLE as a highly effective corrosion inhibitor for low carbon steel in sulphuric acid environments. Further investigations are recommended to delve into the underlying mechanisms responsible for the corrosion inhibition and to optimize the dosage and application of TPLE in various industrial settings. Similarly, at an elevated temperature of 60°C, comparable results were observed. However, in this case, the corrosion rate of low carbon steel increased with higher temperatures. Despite this, the addition of Tradescantia pallida leaf extract (TPLE) at a concentration of 0.5 g L-1 still managed to reduce the corrosion rate significantly. The corrosion rate increased from its initial value, but the inhibitor efficiency remained noteworthy at 88.62%. As the concentration of TPLE was increased to 2.5 g L-1, the inhibitor efficiency improved to 91.72%. These findings indicate that while the corrosion rate may increase under higher temperatures, the presence of TPLE still confers a considerable level of corrosion inhibition for low carbon steel in sulphuric acid environments. Further research is recommended to delve into the specific mechanisms underlying the temperature-dependent behavior and to optimize the application of TPLE as a corrosion inhibitor in different temperature ranges and industrial conditions. The observed temperature effect suggests that the inhibitor molecules present in Tradescantia pallida leaf extract (TPLE) primarily act through a physisorption mechanism. Further analysis of TPLE revealed the presence of various functional groups, including OH, C=O, and aromatic rings, among others. These functional groups have been widely recognized for their efficacy in enhancing the adsorption of inhibitor molecules onto metallic substrates. This suggests that the corrosion inhibition properties of TPLE can be attributed to the adsorption of its constituent compounds onto the surface of low carbon steel, forming a protective layer that hinders the corrosion process. The identification of these functional groups provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of TPLE's corrosion inhibition and opens up avenues for potential modifications and optimization of the extract for enhanced performance. Future investigations should focus on elucidating the specific interactions between the inhibitor molecules and the metallic surface, as well as exploring the long-term stability and compatibility of TPLE in practical corrosion prevention applications. Keywords: corrosion, inhibitor efficiency, extract, adsorption, physisorption