ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Examining how E24 steel prevents corrosion in acidic environments using 1,4-trans plymyrcene and myrcene-lactide block copolymers: an in-depth analysis combining chemical, electrochemical, and theoretical modeling approaches

Hassan Haddouchy, Saliha Loughmari, Youness Tahiri, Bendaoud Ahmed, Zeroual Abdellah, Abdelaziz El Bouadili, Hassan Laouane, Abdelilah Chtaini, Makayssi Abdelatif, and Salah Eddine El Qouatli

Physical Chemistry, Electrochemistry and Environment Team, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Moulay Ismail University, Boutalamine, Morocco

E-mail: ha.haddouchy@gmail.com

Received: 24 August 2025  Accepted: 27 November 2025

Abstract:

The present research undertakes a rigorous examination of the corrosion-mitigating potential exhibited by 1,4-trans-polymyrcene (PM) and its myrcene-lactide block copolymer derivatives (PM-PL) when applied to E24 carbon steel immersed in strongly acidic media. A synergistic methodological framework was deployed, wherein state-of-the-art electrochemical interrogation techniques specifically potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were methodically integrated with Computational analyses using Density Functional Theory (DFT) were performed to investigate the system’s properties. dual experimental theoretical paradigm enabled a nuanced elucidation of the adsorption dynamics, perturbations in interfacial electron-transfer processes, and the physicochemical mechanisms underpinning the development of protective surface layers at the steel–electrolyte boundary.the research shows that both PM and PM-PL successfully reduce corrosion in a 1 M HCl solution. Notably, PM-PL was found to outperform PM, achieving an inhibition efficiency of 92.85% compared to 81.02% for PM, particularly at certain concentrations. The results reveal the mechanisms behind their protective effects, primarily by adhering to the steel’s surface and slowing down the electrochemical processes that cause corrosion. In addition, the study looks at how factors like temperature, immersion time, and inhibitor concentration affect their efficiency. The DFT analysis sheds light on how PM-PL not only has a stronger interaction with the steel surface but also shows superior chemical reactivity, making it a more potent corrosion inhibitor than PM. This study highlights the potential of bio-based myrcene-lactide block copolymers as eco-friendly and effective corrosion inhibitors, offering promising prospects for industrial use.

Keywords: Plymyrcene; E24 steel; Corrosion inhibitors; Electrochemistry techniques; DFT

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04569-5

Chemical Papers 80 (3) 3025–3048 (2026)