Steel products are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from architectural structures to household appliances, and industrial equipment. They are an essential part of our existence. However, a significant issue with steel products is their susceptibility to corrosion, especially in acidic environments. Corrosion not only affects their appearance but also reduces structural integrity, potentially leading to safety hazards. Therefore, finding effective corrosion inhibitors is crucial for extending the lifespan of steel products for example steel silo, steel skip bin or steel structure. Research has discovered a natural corrosion inhibitor—Erigeron Canadensis extract (ECE)—to see how it becomes the green guardian of steel products.
Erigeron Canadensis L., also known as Canadian daisy fleabane, has extracts rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, making it a potential corrosion inhibitor. The active components in ECE contain a multitude of heteroatoms and unsaturated structures, which enable ECE to form a protective film on the steel surface. In HCl medium, the protonated components of ECE carry a positive charge, while the steel surface, due to the adsorption of Cl-, carries a negative charge. The opposite charges attract each other, allowing ECE to physically adsorb onto the steel surface and form a protective layer. Additionally, the O atoms in ECE coordinate with the empty d orbitals of Fe, forming chemical adsorption that further enhances the stability of the protective film.
Studies have shown that ECE exhibits good corrosion inhibition performance on steel in a 1.0 mol/L HCl medium, with the corrosion inhibition rate increasing as the concentration of ECE increases. At 40°C, the best corrosion inhibition rate is achieved with 300 mg/L of ECE, reaching 93.7%. This means that using Erigeron Canadensis extract can significantly reduce the corrosion rate of steel in acidic environments.
For steel products like steel feeding silos and waste skip bin that are often exposed to harsh environments, the application of ECE can significantly improve their corrosion resistance. By forming a protective film on the surface of these products, ECE not only slows down corrosion but also enhances surface hydrophobicity, thereby reducing contact with water and corrosive media, and extending service life.
As a natural and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor, Erigeron Canadensis extract not only effectively protects steel products from corrosion but also enhances their hydrophobicity, which is significant for increasing the lifespan and safety of steel products. With the growing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, the application prospects of Erigeron Canadensis extract are broad, and it is expected to become a rising star in the field of steel anti-corrosion.
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