Intelli-ion Smart Corrosion Inhibitor

Hexigone Inhibitors Ltd is a UK developer of smart corrosion inhibitors for coatings, based at Baglan Energy Park, Port Talbot, South Wales. Its technology originates from the Corrosion Group at Swansea University, where founder Dr Patrick Dodds discovered the smart-release protection mechanism.

Intelli-ion is an ion-exchange inhibitor that activates on demand when corrosion begins. The current grade AX1 is effective at loadings as low as 0.5% and can be blended with zinc phosphate, and a bio-based PX1 series is in development. The additive goes into paints and primers made by coatings manufacturers for industrial, marine, energy and defence markets.

• On-demand inhibition: ion-exchange pigment activates only when corrosion starts.
• Low loading: AX1 grade works at loadings from 0.5%.
• Blendable: can be combined with zinc phosphate in primers.
• Bio-based roadmap: PX1 series under development.
• Sampling and data: samples, technical data sheets and case studies available.

Paint manufacturers in Vietnam could add the inhibitor to marine and industrial primers. Shipyards could evaluate lower-hazard anticorrosive coatings. Steel structure fabricators could test it on bridges and rail assets.

The additive is effective at loadings as low as 0.5%, which limits formulation cost. It is positioned as a lower-hazard alternative to inhibitors containing heavy metals. Production capacity is stated at over 800 metric tonnes per year. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and EcoVadis Platinum.

Coating makers face tighter rules on heavy-metal inhibitors and demand for durable protection in marine and energy assets. Vietnam has long coastline infrastructure, shipbuilding and offshore wind plans where heavy-duty anticorrosive paints are used.

Based in Port Talbot, Wales. June 2026 announced GBP 1.2 million funding. Partner Alfaa Chem distributes in the GCC market since April 2025. EcoVadis Platinum, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001, REACH compliant.