Experimental study on the inhibitive effect of phytic acid as a corrosion inhibitor for Q235 mild steel in 1 M HCl environment

The inhibitive action of phytic acid (PA) on Q235 mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl environment was investigated using electrochemical techniques. Polarization results revealed PA to be a mixed- type inhibitor in 1 M HCl environment, while impedance results provide evidence of adsorption of the PA species on the corroding metal surface. The adsorption of PA obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies all revealed the formation of a protective film adsorbed on the steel surface.