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Corrosion inhibition behaviour of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil extract for mild steel in simulated seawater
Abstract
The corrosion inhibition performance of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil as a green inhibitor for mild steel in simulated seawater was investigated using a combination of electrochemical and surface analytical techniques. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of key phytochemical constituents in the clove extract responsible for inhibitor–metal interactions. Open circuit potential (OCP) measurements demonstrated a stabilizing effect of the extract on the mild steel electrode, indicative of adsorption-driven surface protection. The potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel) analysis revealed a mixed-type inhibition mechanism, with corrosion current densities decreasing from 2.287 · 10–6 A/cm2 (control) to as low as 0.887 · 10–6 A/cm2 at 3.0 mL/L clove extract, corresponding to a maximum inhibition efficiency of 61.22 % and a reduction in corrosion rate from 2.65 · 10–8 mm/year to 1.03 · 10–8 mm/year. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using Nyquist and Bode plots further corroborated the formation of a protective adsorption layer at the metal–electrolyte interface, consistent with an increase in charge-transfer resistance in the presence of the inhibitor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at magnifications of 500x, 1000x, and 2000x revealed a progressive improvement in surface morphology with increasing inhibitor concentration, with treated specimens exhibiting markedly reduced surface degradation compared to uninhibited controls. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental analysis confirmed the incorporation of oxygen-containing species and trace elements on treated surfaces, consistent with protective film formation. These findings collectively demonstrate that clove essential oil is a promising, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in simulated seawater conditions, offering significant potential for sustainable corrosion management applications.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/elmattech.2026.5.070
Copyright (c) 2026 Maureen Olere Oisakede, Blessed Osayemwen Enagbonma, George Ochuko Emoghene, Judith Efionayi, Great Chukwudaro Onyejerue
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