Steel products are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from architectural structures to household appliances, and industrial equipment. They are an essential part of our existence. However, a significant issue with steel products is their susceptibility to corrosion, especially in acidic environments. Corrosion not only affects their appearance but also reduces structural integrity, potentially leading to safety hazards. Therefore, finding effective corrosion inhibitors is crucial for extending the lifespan of steel products for example steel silo, steel skip bin or steel structure. Research has discovered a natural corrosion inhibitor—Erigeron Canadensis extract (ECE)—to see how it becomes the green guardian of steel products.

 

Erigeron Canadensis L., also known as Canadian daisy fleabane, has extracts rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, making it a potential corrosion inhibitor. The active components in ECE contain a multitude of heteroatoms and unsaturated structures, which enable ECE to form a protective film on the steel surface. In HCl medium, the protonated components of ECE carry a positive charge, while the steel surface, due to the adsorption of Cl-, carries a negative charge. The opposite charges attract each other, allowing ECE to physically adsorb onto the steel surface and form a protective layer. Additionally, the O atoms in ECE coordinate with the empty d orbitals of Fe, forming chemical adsorption that further enhances the stability of the protective film.

 

Studies have shown that ECE exhibits good corrosion inhibition performance on steel in a 1.0 mol/L HCl medium, with the corrosion inhibition rate increasing as the concentration of ECE increases. At 40°C, the best corrosion inhibition rate is achieved with 300 mg/L of ECE, reaching 93.7%. This means that using Erigeron Canadensis extract can significantly reduce the corrosion rate of steel in acidic environments.

 

For steel products like steel feeding silos and waste skip bin that are often exposed to harsh environments, the application of ECE can significantly improve their corrosion resistance. By forming a protective film on the surface of these products, ECE not only slows down corrosion but also enhances surface hydrophobicity, thereby reducing contact with water and corrosive media, and extending service life.

 

As a natural and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor, Erigeron Canadensis extract not only effectively protects steel products from corrosion but also enhances their hydrophobicity, which is significant for increasing the lifespan and safety of steel products. With the growing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, the application prospects of Erigeron Canadensis extract are broad, and it is expected to become a rising star in the field of steel anti-corrosion.

In New York City, an innovative smart composting bin initiative is transforming the way the city handles waste. These smart bins, with their bright orange appearance and "compost" labels, have become new landmarks on the streets. By scanning a simple QR code and downloading an app, citizens can easily unlock and use these bins to turn organic waste into compost, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. This initiative not only increases the efficiency of waste management but also promotes public participation and awareness of environmental protection.

 

The Environmental Significance and Challenges of Smart Composting Bins

 

New York City's smart composting bin project is a bold attempt by the sanitation department to embrace environmental protection concepts. These bins are designed to reduce the staggering 14 million tons of waste sent to landfills each year while raising public awareness of waste sorting and composting. However, this innovative initiative also faces challenges. Although the design of the smart bins is intended to attract users, their reliance on app usage may pose a barrier for citizens without smartphones. Additionally, effectively educating and encouraging public participation is key to the success of promoting smart composting bins. The sanitation department is raising awareness of smart composting bins through community events, distributing flyers, holding community board meetings, and using the bins themselves as billboards to increase public recognition and use of smart composting bins.

 

The Future Direction of Smart Composting Bins

 

The development of smart composting bins heralds the future trend of urban waste management. With continuous technological advancements, we can anticipate that future smart composting bins will integrate more sensors and data analysis tools to achieve more refined waste management and resource recycling. Moreover, the successful promotion of smart composting bins also requires widespread community participation and feedback. Through interaction with communities, smart composting bins can better adapt to the needs of different neighborhoods, enhancing their practicality and acceptance. Ultimately, smart composting bins are expected to become an essential tool for sustainable urban development, contributing to the construction of a greener and smarter urban environment. With New York City planning to roll out a total of 400 bins by summer, we have reason to believe that smart composting bins will play an increasingly important role in future urban life.