Eco Friendly Corrosion Inhibitors for Sustainable Development

Corrosion processes, being surface reactions, can be controlled by compounds known as inhibitors, which adsorb on the reacting metal surface. The use of corrosion inhibitors is the most economical and practical method in reducing corrosive attack on metals. Organic and inorganic compounds had shown significant inhibition efficiency. In the past few decades significant concern has arisen over the use of synthetic compounds as corrosion inhibitors due to their environmental consequences. Hence a great deal of work has been initiated towards the exploration of applicability of extracts of natural substances to prevent the corrosion of various metals. Green corrosion inhibitors are biodegradable and do not contain heavy metals or other toxic compounds. So the plant extracts have become important as they are cheap, readily available, non-toxic and ecologically acceptable. Naturally occurring plant extracts contain mixtures of compounds which adsorb on the metal surface. The protective films are formed on the metal surface and hence, corrosion is prevented.