Journal of Molecular Genetics and Gene Research
Eco-Friendly Polysaccharide Inhibitors for Steel-Reinforced Concrete: Synergistic Corrosion Resistance and Structural Enhancement Using Welan and Neem Gums
Abstract
M. G. L. Annaamalai, N. Sharmiladevi, R. Prabhu and K. Vijayakumar
This study investigates the corrosion inhibition efficacy and mechanical strengthening potential of two bio-derived gums, Welan gum (WG) and Neem gum (NG), on steel-reinforced concrete exposed to chloride environments. Electrochemical techniques—electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarization—were employed to evaluate corrosion resistance, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze surface morphology. Results demonstrated that both gums function as mixed-type inhibitors, forming protective films on steel surfaces, with WG exhibiting marginally superior inhibition efficiency (87%) compared to NG (84%). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations identified active molecular sites responsible for adsorption, aligning with experimental findings. Additionally, mechanical tests revealed enhanced compressive and split tensile strengths in gum-modified concrete, underscoring their dual functionality. The proposed inhibition mechanism involves synergistic physico-chemical interactions between gum molecules and the steel surface. This work highlights the potential of natural gums as sustainable, multifunctional additives for durable concrete infrastructure.