Green corrosion protection for mild steel in acidic media: saponins and crude extracts of Gongronema latifolium

Purpose This paper aims to appraise the inhibitory effect of saponins extracted from Gongronema latifolium (SEGL) on mild steel in acid media. This is in a bid to conserve our environment and maintain the integrity of engineering structures and materials. Design/methodology/approach The corrosion inhibition of SEGL and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of G. latifolium (EEGL) on mild steel was studied by hydrogen evolution technique within a temperature range of 30-60°C in tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid solutions. Findings The extracts inhibit the corrosion of mild steel, and the inhibition efficiency depends on the concentration of the plant extract, temperature and the period of immersion. SEGL was comparatively more efficient than EEGL. Optimum values of the inhibition efficiency for both the EEGL and SEGL (93.7 and 96.5 per cent, respectively) were obtained at extract concentration of 10 g/L, whereas the least values were obtained at extract concentration of 0.5 g/L. Originality/value This paper provides new information on the possible application of isolated SEGL as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. The possible mechanism of the inhibitive action is also given.