Silybum marianum extract as a natural source inhibitor for 304 stainless steel corrosion in 1.0 M HCl

The use of Silybum marianum leaves extract as a 304 stainless steel corrosion inhibitor in 1.0 M HCl solution was investigated by weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. Potentiodynamic polarization curves indicated that S. marianum extract behaves as mixed-type inhibitor. The adsorption of the extract constituents was further discussed in view of Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The effect of temperature on the inhibition efficiency was studied. Quantum chemical parameters were also calculated, which provided reasonable theoretical explanation for the adsorption and inhibition behavior of S. marianum extract on the 304 stainless steel.