Exploring the Corrosion Inhibition Potential of 2-(2-Aminopropyl)thiazole for MS in acidic Environment: Methodological and Theoretical investigation

Corrosion of mild steel in acidic environments presents significant challenges due to the limitations of conventional inhibitors, including concerns related to toxicity and environmental impact. This research explores the potential of 2-(2-Aminopropyl)thiazole (APT) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution through a combined experimental and theoretical investigation. The inhibitory performance of APT reached an impressive efficiency of 88.2% under optimized conditions (0.5 mM inhibitor concentration, 303 K), demonstrating its promise as an environmentally friendly alternative. Analysis based on Langmuir adsorption isotherm indicated strong and specific interactions between APT molecules and the steel surface, suggesting the formation of a protective film over time. The correlation between inhibition efficiency, immersion time, and temperature revealed a gradual enhancement of the protective effect, with temperature positively influencing the inhibitor's effectiveness, indicative of a thermally activated adsorption process. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations supported experimental findings, providing insights into molecular interactions at the interface. Specifically, calculated electron transfer parameters underscored the favorable interaction between APT and iron atoms, thus enhancing the inhibition mechanism. This study not only offers valuable insights into the corrosion inhibition mechanism but also presents a robust methodology applicable to the evaluation of eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, the findings pave the way for further optimization of APT for industrial-scale applications, addressing practical challenges in real-world scenarios.