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Geraldine Champions Green Innovation for Corrosion Control to Strengthen Manufacturing and Industrial Supply Chains
Tajudeen Adebanjo
Geraldine Chika Nwokocha, Supply Chain expert and a Chemical Engineer, advocates for the use of natural plant-based inhibitors to revolutionize corrosion control in the manufacturing and oil & gas sectors, leading to safer operations and more sustainable supply chains.
Geraldine began her career as a procurement and sourcing manager at Slot Engineering in 2016, following her graduation with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Landmark University in Nigeria. She shared these insights following the publication of her co-authored research article, “Inhibitory Action of Vernonia amygdalina Extract (VAE) on the Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Acidic Medium,” in the Journal of Electrochemical Science and Engineering (Vol. 7, No. 3, August 15, 2017). She was indexed in Scopus, one of the world’s leading scientific databases.
She notes that corrosion is a silent threat, costing global industries billions annually in repairs, replacements, and supply disruptions. “When equipment fails due to corrosion, production stops, safety is compromised, and the entire supply chain is disrupted,” Geraldine explained.
Her study evaluated Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) stem extract as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic conditions, achieving a maximum inhibition efficiency of 78.1% at a concentration of 0.6 g/L. “This result demonstrates strong potential for industrial application, providing an eco-friendly alternative to harmful synthetic inhibitors,” she said.
Connecting this to supply chain and procurement, Geraldine explained that corrosion-related failures often force procurement teams into emergency sourcing, which drives up costs and causes delays. “By extending equipment life and reducing unplanned downtime, green inhibitors like VAE support more stable and predictable supply chains,” she added.
She further emphasized that integrating such natural inhibitors can reduce dependency on imported synthetic chemicals. “Sourcing inhibitors from locally abundant plants like Vernonia amygdalina supports local agriculture, empowers communities, and aligns procurement strategies with national economic goals,” she noted.
Geraldine emphasized that production lines rely on equipment integrity and that effective corrosion control is crucial for maintaining consistent output quality. “Adopting green corrosion inhibitors protects assets and ensures that manufacturing timelines and customer commitments are met,” she said.
Highlighting the green initiative aspect, she pointed out that traditional inhibitors pose significant environmental and health risks. “The use of natural plant extracts is a sustainable alternative that aligns with global environmental standards and corporate social responsibility goals,” Geraldine said.
Her research found that the adsorption process was spontaneous and followed the Langmuir isotherm model, confirming the formation of a strong, uniform protective film on the steel surface. “We found that compounds like tannins and saponins in the extract were key to forming a robust protective layer, effectively reducing corrosion,” she said.
Geraldine advocated for policies that encourage industry to invest in green technologies and local research. “Governments and private sectors should create incentives for adopting eco-friendly solutions, which protect assets and reduce the overall carbon footprint,” she said.
She maintained that this approach could position Nigeria and other African nations as leaders in sustainable industrial practices. “We have the resources and scientific capacity to set a global example. By embracing green corrosion control, we can build stronger, cleaner, and more resilient supply chains,” she added.
Looking forward, Geraldine is committed to further exploring natural solutions to industrial challenges, bridging her expertise in engineering, procurement, and supply chain management. “My goal is to continue integrating research with practical strategies that drive both economic and environmental benefits,” she said.
Her research on Vernonia amygdalina not only advances scientific understanding of green corrosion inhibition but also provides a practical roadmap for industries aiming to improve operational efficiency, protect the environment, and enhance supply chain resilience.
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