Corrosion mitigation of mild steel in simulated concrete pore solution using henna seed extract as a green inhibitor

Corrosion in concrete structures presents a significant challenge that affects their safety, durability, and structural integrity, primarily due to environmental factors and chemical reactions. An aqueous extract derived from henna seed has been utilized to mitigate the corrosion of mild steel in a simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS). A study on polarization has been conducted to assess the corrosion protection properties of henna seed extract (HSE). The addition of henna seed extract leads to an enhancement in linear polarization resistance. Conversely, there is a decrease in the corrosion current. In the presence of henna seed extract, the linear polarisation resistance of mild steel in simulated concrete pore solution increases from 750 Ohm cm2 to 1198 Ohm cm2. The corrosion current value decreases from 6.719 × 10−5 A/cm2 to 2.925 × 10−5 A/cm2. The surface morphology of the protective film has been examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It has been noted that when henna seed extract is present, the surface of the protective film exhibits a smoother texture. These findings confirm the corrosion protection offered by henna seed extract. An additional investigation into contact angle measurements indicates that when henna seed extract is present, the protective film developed on the surface of mild steel, which is immersed in simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS), exhibits a comparatively smoother texture. The resistance to corrosion is enhanced. This aligns with the findings from the electrochemical investigation, specifically the polarization study, as well as the images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results could have implications in the field of concrete technology.