Plant extracts as sustainable and green corrosion inhibitors for protection of ferrous metals in corrosive media: A mini review

Abstract

Application of green corrosion inhibitors, which reduce corrosion rates to the appropriate level with low environmental impact, is one of the emerging key approaches of controlling corrosion in modern society. From the standpoint of environmental compatibility, this research field is undergoing significant developments. Nowadays, due to increasing ecological awareness, corrosion inhibitors are subject to stringent restrictions and regulations enforced by environmental agencies in a number of nations. According to these requirements, these chemicals must be environmentally acceptable and safe. In light of this, intensive research has been undertaken in recent years aimed at development of green corrosion inhibitors from plant extracts. Being readily available, inexpensive, biodegradable, and safe make these substances promising alternatives to the hazardous conventional corrosion inhibitors. The purpose of this review article is to summarize, in a brief manner, a compilation of recent prominent papers on utilizing plant extracts as sustainable and green corrosion inhibitors. In addition, some discussions were made on the benefits and drawbacks of employing these substances for protection of metals.

Keywords

• Corrosion protection
• Corrosion inhibitor
• Green chemistry
• Plant extracts
• Phytochemicals