THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF ON THE CORROSION OF MILD STEEL IN HYDROCHLORIC ACID

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this study is to examine the inhibitory effect of ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaf on the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid. Corrosion, the gradual degradation of metals due to chemical, electrochemical, or environmental interactions, remains a significant industrial challenge worldwide. The economic and structural impacts of corrosion are severe, often leading to increased maintenance costs, equipment failure, and the potential for catastrophic events. Plant-based inhibitors offer a solution by utilizing phytochemicals that interact with metal surfaces to reduce corrosion rates. Moringa oleifera, a widely cultivated plant known for its medicinal and nutritional properties, contains compounds that have shown promise in corrosion inhibition. Fresh green Moringa Oleifera leaves were obtained from the surroundings of Botanical garden of Federal Polytechnic, Offa Kwara State, and then washed, cut into pieces, and air dried before pulverization. Findings indicate that the effectiveness of the extract improves with increased concentration, supporting the hypothesis that Moringa oleifera leaf extract can serve as a natural, eco-friendly inhibitor for mild steel in acidic environments. Future studies should focus on optimizing extraction methods to obtain higher yields of active phytochemicals from Moringa oleifera leaves. Alternative solvents or extraction techniques may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the extract.