Exploring the Effectiveness of Natural Food Flavors in Protecting Carbon Steel against CO2–Induced Corrosion

Two food flavors, furfuryl mercaptan (2-FFT) and difurfuryl disulfide (DFDS), were investigated as green corrosion inhibitors for the N80 steel in a CO2-saturated solution containing 3.5% NaCl. Experimental methods, quantum chemical calculations, and molecular dynamics simulation were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2-FFT and DFDS. The results of the study indicate that both 2-FFT and DFDS act as mixed corrosion inhibitors, with a dominant inhibition effect on the cathodic reaction. 2-FFT is physiochemically adsorbed on the steel surface in a tiled form through the furan ring and the – SH groups as adsorption sites. On the other hand, DFDS is chemisorbed on the steel surface through the – S–S– groups in a parallel manner. DFDS exhibits a higher tendency for electron transfer and stronger adsorption to steel compared to 2-FFT. Overall, this study highlights the potential of natural food flavors as effective and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in CO2-saturated environments. The findings of this research can contribute to the development of sustainable and nontoxic corrosion inhibitors for the oil and gas industry.