Evaluating the Corrosion Inhibition Properties of Burkea Africana Extract on Mild Steel in Acidic Media

Abstract

This study investigates the corrosion inhibition properties of Burkea africana leaf extract on mild steel in 
hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. The extract was obtained through Soxhlet extraction using methanol, 
and its inhibitory effects were evaluated using weight-loss measurements, thermodynamic analysis, and 
adsorption isotherms. The results demonstrate that Burkea africana extract significantly reduces the 
corrosion rate of mild steel, with inhibition efficiency increasing with the extract concentration. The 
inhibition efficiency reached 68.57% at 0.8 ppm, indicating a high potential for this natural extract as a 
corrosion inhibitor. Thermodynamic analysis, using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models, reveals 
spontaneous adsorption with both isotherms supporting a physisorption mechanism. The negative Gibbs 
free energy values obtained from both models indicate a spontaneous and favourable adsorption process. 
The phytochemicals present in Burkea africana, such as tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, are believed to 
play a significant role in the inhibition mechanism by forming a protective barrier on the steel surface. 
These findings highlight Burkea africana as a promising green corrosion inhibitor for industrial 
applications, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic inhibitors.