Budi Mulyati, Femiana Gapsari, Saidun Fiddaroini, Masruroh, Akhmad Sabarudin
The development of eco-friendly and high-performance corrosion inhibitors is crucial to preventing the long-term degradation of low-carbon steel (LCS) in aggressive environments. Conventional inhibitors often suffer from toxicity and limited durability, prompting the need for sustainable alternatives. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA)/ZnO nanocomposites were fabricated via a spin-coating technique and evaluated as green corrosion protection systems for LCS immersed in 1 M HCl. The nanocomposite containing 0.05 g ZnO per 100 mL PLA exhibited the highest inhibition efficiency of 96.75 %, forming a compact and adherent barrier that suppressed both electrochemical reactions and chloride ion penetration. This optimized concentration uniquely provided the best balance between nanoparticle dispersion and coating integrity, preventing agglomeration while enhancing surface adsorption and barrier characteristics—advantages not previously achieved in similar PLA/ZnO systems. Unlike higher ZnO loadings that led to structural defects, the 0.05 g ZnO formulation ensured uniform particle distribution, optimal charge transfer resistance, and long-term film stability, as confirmed by EIS, SEM, FTIR, and quantum chemical calculations. This work not only introduces a biodegradable and scalable solution for corrosion mitigation but also establishes a mechanistic rationale for selecting optimal nanoparticle loading, thus advancing the design of sustainable corrosion-resistant coatings. © 2025 The Author(s)
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl Veteran 12-16, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nurtanio University, Pajajaran 219, Bandung, 40215, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl Veteran 12-16, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl Veteran 12-16, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
