The Effect of Keruing Oleoresin on the Corrosion Rate of Copper in Car Radiator Parts

Hery Tristijanto, Iman Mujiarto, Suyanto, Edy Budiarso, Andrian Fernandes and Arif Wahyudianto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64486/m.66.1.6
Online publication date: May 22, 2026

Abstract: Copper radiators are widely used in automobiles due to their high thermal conductivity. However, they are prone to corrosion, which can lead to reduced vehicle performance. This study aimed to identify the chemical components of copper radiator parts and evaluate corrosion inhibition by keruing oleoresin as a natural, eco-friendly coating material. The research involved determining the chemical elements of copper radiator parts using emission spectroscopy and assessing the corrosion rate of copper radiator parts coated with keruing oleoresin in distilled water conditions using electrochemical tests. The results showed that a 5 % concentration of keruing oleoresin provided the best corrosion inhibition, with an OCP of 0.124 V, a corrosion rate of 0.00673 mm/year, and an inhibition efficiency of 88.15 %. The study demonstrates the potential of keruing oleoresin as a natural corrosion inhibitor for copper radiators, helping prevent corrosion and maintain radiator efficiency.

Keywords: copper corrosion; corrosion inhibitor; keruing oleoresin; Dipterocarpus grandiflorus; electrochemical testing

This article is published online first and will appear in Metalurgija, Vol. 66, Issue 1 (2027).