International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS)
Corrosion Inhibition and Sustainable Waste Management: Evaluating the Potential of Expired Lopinavir-Ritonavir in Steel Protection
Published April 6, 2026 • Vol. 11, Issue 3, pp. 468–482Open Access
DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.11030045
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of expired Lopinavir-Ritonavir (LPV-RTV) co-formulated antiretroviral drug, a pharmaceutical waste product, as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of expired LPV-RTV was evaluated through three complementary methods: weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The results demonstrated that expired LPV-RTV significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of mild steel, achieving maximum inhibition efficiencies of 95.7% by weight loss and 93.0% by PDP. SEM-EDX analysis of the steel surfaces revealed the formation of a protective layer, further supporting the corrosion inhibition mechanism. These findings highlight the effectiveness of expired LPV-RTV as an efficient, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor. The study also emphasizes the potential of utilizing expired pharmaceuticals for sustainable resource recovery, offering a viable solution for both pharmaceutical waste reduction and industrial corrosion control.
Keywords: Lopinavir-Ritonavir, PDP, Pharmaceutical waste
| Journal | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2454-6194 |
| Volume / Issue | Volume 11, Issue 3 |
| Pages | 468–482 |
| Publication date | April 6, 2026 |
| DOI | 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.11030045 |
| Publisher | RSIS International |
| License | Open Access |
How to cite this article
Suleiman Bulama, Alhaji M. Kolo, Istafinus. Y. Chindo, Auwal. A. Mahmoud, & Dahiru Ibrahim (2026). Corrosion Inhibition and Sustainable Waste Management: Evaluating the Potential of Expired Lopinavir-Ritonavir in Steel Protection. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), 11(3), 468-482. https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.11030045
BibTeX
@article{Suleiman2026,
title = {Corrosion Inhibition and Sustainable Waste Management: Evaluating the Potential of Expired Lopinavir-Ritonavir in Steel Protection},
author = {Suleiman Bulama and Alhaji M. Kolo and Istafinus. Y. Chindo and Auwal. A. Mahmoud and Dahiru Ibrahim},
journal = {International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS)},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {468--482},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.11030045},
publisher = {RSIS International}
}