Comparative Corrosion Behaviour of Mild Steel and Stainless Steel in Hydrochloric and Nitric Acid Environments: Implications for Sustainable Material Use

Authors

  • Muhammad Syakir Zukfli Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
  • Muhammad Nur Aidid Farihin Kashpu Anuar Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
  • Danish Haiqal Umar Dzakir Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
  • Adam Harith Noorzulan Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
  • Che Muhammad Amin Che Hamid Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
  • Ahmad Ifwad Mohamed Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
  • Nazhirah Muhammad Nasri Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia.
  • Mohammad Hafizudden Mohd Zaki Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bioenv.v3i3.123

Keywords:

Corrosion behavior , Acidic environment , Mild steel , Stainless steel , Weight loss analysis

Abstract

Corrosion of structural metals in acidic environments remains a critical concern for both industrial efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study comparatively investigates the corrosion behaviour of mild steel and stainless steel in hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO₃) media at varying concentrations and immersion periods. Weight loss measurements were used to evaluate corrosion rates, supported by comparative analysis over a five-day exposure. The results revealed that corrosion rates increased with acid concentration and exposure time where HNO₃ showing stronger corrosive aggressiveness than HCl due to its oxidizing properties. Mild steel experienced significantly higher mass loss than stainless steel due to the absence of a stable passive oxide layer. A gradual reduction in corrosion rate after prolonged exposure indicated the formation of protective corrosion products that limit further dissolution. Overall, stainless steel demonstrated superior corrosion resistance under all conditions. These findings are vital for material selection in chemical and process industries, particularly where equipment is exposed to acidic effluents. Minimizing corrosion-related failures not only extends the service life of metallic components but also reduces environmental contamination and conserves metallic bioresources through more sustainable industrial practices.

Author Biography

Nazhirah Muhammad Nasri , Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang Kampus Jengka, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia.

 

 

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Published

2025-10-28

How to Cite

Zukfli, M. S. ., Kashpu Anuar, M. N. A. F. ., Umar Dzakir , D. H. ., Noorzulan, A. H. ., Che Hamid , C. M. A. ., Mohamed, A. I., Muhammad Nasri , N., & Mohd Zaki, M. H. . (2025). Comparative Corrosion Behaviour of Mild Steel and Stainless Steel in Hydrochloric and Nitric Acid Environments: Implications for Sustainable Material Use. Bioresources and Environment, 3(3), 122–129. https://doi.org/10.24191/bioenv.v3i3.123