Enhanced corrosion inhibition effect of chitosan for St37 in 15% H2SO4 environment by silver nanoparticles

The inhibitive performance of chitosan and silver nanoparticles - chitosan (AgNPs-Chi) composite towards St37 steel corrosion in 15% H2SO4 solution was studied using weight loss and electrochemical techniques in addition to surface morphological examination. Results obtained show that chitosan could fairly protect St37 steel surface by 45%. Inhibition efficiency above 94% has been achieved with AgNPs-Chi composite. AgNPs-Chi composite performs better at longer immersion time and elevated temperature. AgNPs-Chi retards both anodic and cathodic redox reactions. The mode of adsorption of AgNPs-Chi onto St37 surface has been described using Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Surface screening results ascertain the adsorption of AgNPs-Chi molecules on St37 surface.