A Novel Biomaterial based Nanocomposite Coating for Corrosion Inhibition Studies of Carbon Steel

Abstract

Corrosion is a rising concern in oil and gas sectors, which causes destruction of the material and results in heavy financial loss accompanied by high risk to human health and safety. This study investigates the corrosion inhibition efficiency of a novel biomaterial based nanostructured coating on carbon steel specimen by dip-coating technique using Ziziphus Spina leaf extract, silica nanoparticles (SiO₂NPs), and biopolymer (chitosan) matrix. The anti-corrosion performance of the fabricated composite thin film was investigated by exposing the coated specimen at different environmental conditions and the effectiveness was examined using potentiostatic, weight loss measurement, atmosphere and wet/dry tests. The main characterization tools employed are Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Tafal plot was used to study the corrosion rate. The results of atomic-level micro structural analysis performed by FE-SEM and AFM suggested the successful development of inhibitor layer at the carbon steel surface to prevent the corrosion. The experimental outcomes underscore the potential of biomaterial based nanostructured coating as an effective corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic environments. The nanocomposite thin films act as an efficient protective coating and offers superior corrosion resistance with extended lifespan of the carbon steel. The study validates that the green corrosion inhibitors developed from natural resources with minimum layer thickness could be a realistic solution in regulating the corrosion in oil pipelines with improved corrosion resistance, exceptional chemical stability, durability, and improved strength.