This study aims to evaluate the potential of Syzygium nervosum leaf extract as a sustainable and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for reinforcing steel (rebar) used in concrete structures exposed to maritime environments. Rebar corrosion in saltwater poses a serious threat to the durability of coastal and offshore infrastructure, prompting the need for natural, effective alternatives to conventional inhibitors.
The polyphenol content of the Syzygium nervosum extract was quantified at 5.6 g/L. Its chemical composition, rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds, was analyzed to understand its corrosion-inhibiting characteristics. Electrochemical techniques – including potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy – were used to assess the extract’s performance. Additionally, weight loss tests were conducted in a simulated seawater environment to validate the extract’s protective capabilities.
The extract demonstrated significant corrosion-inhibiting efficiency by forming a protective layer on the steel surface. The corrosion rate of rebar was reduced to 0.0002 g/cm²·day in weight loss tests and to 0.070 mm/year as indicated by polarization curve results. These outcomes confirm the extract’s effectiveness in suppressing corrosion in marine-like conditions.
This research introduces Syzygium nervosum leaf extract as a novel, plant-based corrosion inhibitor with substantial protective properties against steel corrosion in saltwater environments. Its environmentally friendly nature and inhibitory efficiency support its application in sustainable construction, particularly in marine and coastal infrastructure.
