Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of 2, 6-bis-furan-2ylmethylene-cyclohexanone as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in a 0.5 M HCl solution through a combination of experimental and theoretical methodologies. Firstly, the study employs weight loss analysis, revealing that the presence of 0.10 ppm of the inhibitor leads to a significant inhibition efficiency (IE) of 93.40 % against corrosion in acidic conditions. Polarization studies further elucidate the inhibitor's role, indicating its function as a cathodic inhibitor and its influence on the corrosion kinetics of carbon steel. Moreover, alternating current impedance spectra are analysed to gain insights into the electrical behaviour of the protective film formed by the inhibitor and its consequent impact on the corrosion resistance of carbon steel. The composition of this protective film, comprising both carbon steel and 2, 6-bisfuran-2ylmethylene-cyclohexanone was confirmed using advanced imaging techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition to experimental investigation, a theoretical approach was also employed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to predict the behaviour of the inhibitor at the molecular level on the surface of carbon steel. This theoretical framework facilitates a deeper understanding of the interactions between inhibitor molecules and the carbon steel surface, offered insights into the mechanisms underlying the corrosion inhibition process. By utilizing quantum chemical calculations, the study aims to elucidate the inhibitory properties of 2,6-bis-furan-2ylmethylene-cyclohexanone against corrosion of carbon steel, thereby contributing to the development of effective corrosion inhibition strategies.