Evaluation of the aqueous extract of Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. as a green inhibitor of steel corrosion in sulfuric acid
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35197/rx.22.01.2026.03.hfKeywords:
corrosion, green inhibitor, artemisia ludoviciana, carbon steel, acid mediumAbstract
Corrosion represents a major problem in diverse industries, from construction to energy generation. Synthetic inhibitors have traditionally been used to reduce corrosion; however, their toxicity and adverse environmental effects have prompted the search for sustainable alternatives. In this context, the present study evaluated the potential of the aqueous extract of Artemisia ludoviciana (Mexican variant) as a "green" inhibitor of steel corrosion in an acidic medium (1M H₂SO₄). The extract was obtained by the Soxhlet method, using distilled water as a solvent, and its performance was analyzed at different concentrations using weight loss tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization resistance, and potentiodynamic polarization. The results showed an inhibition efficiency greater than 90% at a concentration of 5% v/v, indicating a remarkable ability of the extract to reduce corrosion rates. The measurements confirmed that the inhibitory effect increases with concentration, while polarization studies showed a mixed-type behavior with anodic predominance. The adsorption of the extract onto the steel surface followed the Langmuir isotherm, suggesting the formation of a protective monolayer. Overall, the findings demonstrate that A. ludoviciana is an effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to conventional inhibitors, contributing to the responsible use of natural resources and the development of cleaner technologies for the protection of metallic materials.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Haniel Nephtali Flores Cortez, Rosa Elba Núñez Jaquez, Carlos Paulino Barrios Durstewitz, Adrián Bórquez Mendívil, Juan Pablo Flores De los Ríos

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