Sustainable materials encompass a diverse range of substances used in both consumer and industrial domains. These materials are sourced in quantities that safeguard non-renewable resources and environmental equilibrium, with a focus on bio-based alternatives derived from plants. This study investigates the corrosion inhibition potential of two distinct Blue Tansy essential oils (BTES 1 and BTES 2) with varying chemical compositions. Corrosion resistance for mild steel in 1 M HCl environment was assessed using weight loss and Potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The evaluation of BTES 1 and BTES 2 revealed compelling insights. Notably, their inhibition efficiency exhibited an intriguing, damped oscillation pattern with fluctuating concentrations. Remarkably, at 0.5 g/L concentration, BTES 1 achieved an impressive 80% inhibition, while BTES 2 demonstrated a substantial 70% inhibition at 2.5 g/L. This behavior stems from intricate interactions among active compounds, leading to protective film formation and competitive adsorption effects. Importantly, congruence between weight loss measurements and potentiodynamic polarization curves fortified the reliability of outcomes. The study also confirmed BTES as a mixed-type inhibitor, as indicated by polarization curves. Furthermore, Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) analyses were conducted to unravel molecule interactions, elucidate toxicity risks, and assess bioactivity scores. This comprehensive exploration sheds light on the interplay between sustainable materials, corrosion inhibition efficacy, and complex molecular dynamics, enhancing our understanding of environmentally conscious corrosion prevention strategies.

In recent years, research has increasingly focused on developing innovative strategies to address the issues of plastic pollution and food waste, particularly through the design of active and intelligent food packaging films. Anthocyanins, natural pigments primarily derived from plants, possess remarkable chemical properties that make them excellent pH indicators through visible color changes. Beyond their sensing function, they can also contribute to enhancing the physical and functional properties of packaging films. On the other hand, essential oils, volatile liquids extracted from aromatic plants, are well known for their strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Growing attention has thus been paid to the development of active and intelligent films based on the combined incorporation of anthocyanins and essential oils. This synergistic association significantly improves not only the antioxidant activity, but more importantly the antimicrobial effectiveness of the films. This review highlights recent advances in the co-incorporation of anthocyanins and essential oils into biopolymer matrices, with a particular emphasis on structural characterization (FTIR, XRD, SEM), physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as barrier performance, including water vapor transmission behavior. Importantly, this work represents the first comprehensive review to systematically compile and critically discuss studies focusing on the combined use of anthocyanins and essential oils in biopolymer-based films, and their potential applications in diverse food categories such as meat and seafood, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. Graphical abstract