Corrosion inhibition effect of Cycas revoluta leaves extract on corrosion of soft‐cast steel in hydrochloric acid medium

The inhibition action of environmentally sustainable inhibitor Cycas revoluta leaves extract (CRLE) for corrosion protection of soft‐cast steel in a solution of HCl was assessed with electrochemical and chemical methods. The eco‐friendly inhibitor forms a thin coating on soft‐cast steel and slows the corrosion in acid media. The percent inhibition performance, corrosion current density, corrosion potential, and both anodic and cathodic slopes for Tafel were calculated. The results for electrochemical and chemical research are in beneficial correlation with each other. The inhibitor's inhibitory ability was well illustrated by the CRLE adsorption on soft‐cast steel followed the Langmuir isotherm. The investigations reveal that CRLE is a mixed form of inhibitor. Studies were performed with varying inhibitor amounts and temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated, and it shows that the corrosion inhibition effect is spontaneous and exothermic. The interaction of the plant extract was characterized by SEM, FTIR, contact angle measurements, and AFM techniques.