The tests performed by Hexigone demonstrate that its Intelli-ion sustainable inhibitors can reach the C5 level of corrosion protection.
Hexigone has presented the latest test results regarding its sustainable Intelli-ion range of corrosion inhibitors, that can reach C5 levels of protection in both water-borne and solvent-borne coatings. The REACH compliant inhibitors have been added to 2 pak epoxy coating, with primer only as well as topcoated systems tested.
The C1-C5 classifications are used to describe the level of corrosion resistance required for aggressive environment, with C5 referring to areas exposed to high levels of humidity, salt-water spray and other substances. The results of the tests ensure that manufacturers can employ Intelli-ion inhibitors for several critical assets, such as offshore oil and gas platforms, metal structures in coastal zones and chemical plants.
The coatings were formulated at PRA (Paint Research Association), a British organisation that provides technical and scientific support to the global coatings industry. The panels used for testing were shot-blasted to Sa2.5 as per C5 specification. Each primer layer had an average dry film thickness of 120 µm and the topcoat was applied at approx. 60 µm. After 1440 hours salt spray testing to ASTM B117 both the primer and full system displayed zero signs of blistering in the coating system.
To demonstrate the full performances of both systems with AX1 in, Hexigone also removed half of the paint system to view the substrate underneath. The water-based epoxy system after 1440 hours showed minimum corrosion at the scribe, while the solvent-based met specifications with no blistering, minimum cross scribe corrosion and no undercoat corrosion present on the full substrate.
“Our award-winning technology provides exceptional protection to infrastructure in key sectors as well as helping to address environmental challenges faced by the coatings industry. Reaching 1440 hours allows existing manufacturers of C5 standards of paint to switch to more sustainable inhibitors; or facilitate new C5 REACH compliant product lines through sustainable waterborne or low VOC solvent borne coatings,” has stated Catherine Friar, the business development manager at Hexigone Inhibitors. “These preliminary results indicate that the coating systems would meet the High Durability requirements of the ISO 12944:2018 C5 Corrosivity Category. Further testing is ongoing.”