Assessment of Syzygium cumini (Jamblang) fruit extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for low-carbon steel in 3.5% NaCl medium

The use of environmentally friendly inhibitors, such as plant extract in preventing corrosion is an effective alternative to hazardous and toxic chemical additives. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of an inhibitor derived from Syzygium cumini fruit extract on low carbon steel in a 3.5% NaCl corrosive medium. The extraction process was carried out using the solid-liquid method, and the extract obtained was characterized using Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and phytochemical analysis. Corrosion inhibition properties were analyzed through weight loss measurement, electrochemistry (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surface morphology of the sample was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed the effectiveness of Syzygium cumini fruit extract in preventing corrosion at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm. The highest corrosion efficiency was approximately 92.99% at a concentration of 500 ppm. Furthermore, this result was validated by surface analysis based on the inhibitor adsorption process on low carbon steel. The high efficiency and minimal damage to the sample showed that Syzygium cumini fruit was an environmentally friendly inhibitor with excellent corrosion protection.