EFFECTS OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA LEAF EXTRACT ON THE CORROSION INHIBITION OF MILD STEEL IN DIL. TETRAOXOSULPHATE (VI) ACID (H2SO4)

Abstract

Effects of vernonia amygdalina (bitter) leaf extract on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in dil. Tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid has been studied. Weight loss method was used in which the test coupons, with known weight, were immersed in the test media; leaves extract of vernonia amygdalina, and dilute H₂SO₄, for a total exposure time of five days. The weight loss was measured at an interval of 24hours i.e. a day, and the corrosion penetration rate was determined. The result revealed that the rate of corrosion of mild steel in dilute H₂SO₄ increases with increase in the concentration of the acid and that the extract of leaves of vernonia amygdalina inhibits the corrosion of mild steel in dilute H₂SO₄. The inhibition efficiency of the extract increases with increase in the concentration of the extract. The inhibition was assumed to occur via adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on the metal surface.