HEXIGONE
Corrosion is a global issue and it is estimated that 40% of all new steel is used to replace steel damaged or destroyed by corrosion, this equates to an estimated 3.2% of the world’s CO2 emissions on maintenance alone (C. Hoffmann, 2020). Hexigone manufacturers high performing, chemically intelligent and sustainable corrosion inhibitors that protect metal assets for longer.
Its long-term vision is to “create a safer, more sustainable world through chemical intelligence” and be the new benchmark in anti-corrosion technology. Its product is REACH compliant – ensuring a high level of protection to human health and the environment. Intelli-on’s composition is made up of recycled and virgin raw material, giving a second life to waste streams in adjacent industries – at the same time as offering the highest quality. Supplementing its manufacturing with recycled materials not only offers its customers circular economy credentials but also cost savings since there is no exposure to the volatile commodity metals market.
SAFE MATERIALS FOR THE ANTICORROSION INDUSTRY
The Intelli-ion® AX1 technology was created to replace toxic chromates and heavy metals from the coatings industry – offering a safer anti-corrosion solution to the market. The ‘active ingredient’ is classed as Aquatic Hazard Classification Category 3 (i.e. no warning labels required) when in primer systems, unlike chromates and phosphates which are category 1 and 2 respectively. This means that Intelli-ion® creates a safer manufacturing environment for staff whilst being kinder on the planet through facilitating lower or no heavy metal content.
Due to this unique approach, Hexigone is formulating with customers across the globe with exciting results in the industrial and protective coatings industries.
INNOVATIVE AND TRUSTED TECHNOLOGY WORKING TOGETHER
Zinc phosphate-based inhibitors have limited effectiveness initially due to low solubility, resulting in a time delay before sufficient phosphate concentrations form a protective layer against corrosion. When co-blended with zinc phosphate, Intelli-ion® technology overcomes this delay by quickly sensing and reacting to corrosive ions, forming a rapid inhibitive layer. It combines with phosphate inhibitors to create a strong polymeric layer that optimizes anti-corrosion protection. Furthermore, like chromates, Intelli-ion® acts as both an anodic and cathodic inhibitor, reducing metal dissolution and impeding reduction reactions.
INDUSTRY-STANDARD SALT-SPRAY TESTING
Industry standard accelerated weathering tests with on-the-market phosphate-based coatings vs. Intelli-ion®– containing primers also demonstrate comparable or better performance.
The above mild steel samples were coated with an alkyd primer (+/- topcoat) and then scribed using an Elcometer 1638 DIN scratching tool fitted with a 1 mm cutter. The samples were then placed in a salt spray chamber (at 45° angle) and run-in accordance with ASTM B117 continuous salt spray fog testing. Following 500 hours, the samples were rinsed using distilled water and dried using lint free cloth before being analysed.
The inhibitor loading level was optimised for cost and environmental benefits – at a 3:2 ratio – to lower the phosphate content to below 2.5%. This co-blend approach removes the environmental warning labels from packaging; however, the imagery clearly demonstrates that Intelli-ion® offers a synergistic relationship in performance with both zinc phosphate and polyphosphates too.
