Use of Plant Extracts as Environmentally Benign Corrosion Inhibitors

DACCO SCI, INC., proposes a Phase II SBIR program to develop a corrosion inhibitor system using extracts from tobacco plants. The Phase I results show the extract to be very effective in preventing corrosion of steel and aluminum either individually or when coupled with dissimilar metals. Under many conditions, the tobacco extract performs as good as or better than chromates, which have been the corrosion inhibition standard, but which are under attack for health, safety and environmental reasons. The extract is effective when added to recirculating water systems, road salt, paints and metal-finishing acids. In Phase II, we will optimize the extraction process, verify corrosion inhibition under a variety of extraction and use conditions, develop quality assurance/quality control procedures, and address long- term stability issues. Commercialization opportunities and strategies will continue to be developed. The extract has three significant potential advantages over currently used inorganic inhibitors: 1) they are environmentally benign with minimal health and safety concerns; 2) they originate from a renewable biosource; and 3) they will be cost-effective.