Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2024 - 2030)

Recent Developments:

• In February 2021, LANXESS signed a binding agreement to acquire 100 percent shares in Emerald Kalama Chemical on February 14, 2021. The US-based company is a globally leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, especially for the consumer segment, and is majority-owned by affiliates of the US private equity firm, American Securities LLC.
• In August 2019, Nouryon planned to double capacity at its surfactants plant in Stenungsund, Sweden, to support the growth of several existing products as well as new sustainable technologies for markets, including oil and gas, lubricants, and fuels, and asphalt. The USD 14-million expansion and upgrade project include the installation of a new reactor and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2021. It will increase the production and innovation in corrosion inhibitors.
• In October 2018, SUEZ announced the signature of 19 contracts in Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Costa Rica. These contracts are part of the Group’s development drive in Latin America and the Caribbean, which account for 7% of its global turnover and represent over 7000 employees in 10 countries. With these new contracts, SUEZ strengthened its presence in water services management in large cities and developed in new markets of waste management and industrial services.

The global inorganic corrosion inhibitor market can be segmented based on type, application, and end-use industry, reflecting the diverse range of products and sectors that rely on corrosion inhibition solutions. In terms of type, inorganic corrosion inhibitors encompass various compounds such as chromates, phosphates, molybdates, and silicates, each offering unique properties and applications. Chromate inhibitors, for example, are widely used for their high effectiveness in passivating metal surfaces and providing long-term corrosion protection, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and marine applications. Phosphate inhibitors are commonly utilized in water treatment and cooling systems to prevent corrosion and scale formation on metal surfaces. Molybdate inhibitors are favored for their environmentally friendly properties and compatibility with multi-metal systems, making them suitable for industrial applications such as boiler water treatment and metalworking fluids.

The application of inorganic corrosion inhibitors spans across diverse industries including oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, manufacturing, water treatment, and infrastructure. In the oil and gas industry, corrosion inhibitors are crucial for protecting pipelines, storage tanks, and equipment from corrosion caused by harsh operating conditions, corrosive fluids, and microbial activity. In the petrochemical sector, corrosion inhibitors are employed to safeguard refinery equipment and chemical processing plants against corrosion in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. In the power generation industry, inhibitors are utilized to protect boilers, turbines, and heat exchangers from corrosion in steam and cooling water systems, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.

The global inorganic corrosion inhibitor market can be segmented into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Each region exhibits distinct market dynamics influenced by factors such as industrialization, infrastructure development, regulatory environment, and economic growth. North America and Europe are mature markets with established corrosion control practices and stringent regulations governing the use of corrosion inhibitors. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, represents a rapidly growing market driven by industrial expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure investments. Emerging economies in Latin America and the Middle East and Africa also present significant opportunities for market growth, fueled by industrial development and the need for corrosion mitigation solutions in diverse sectors.

Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market has been segmented by Type, Application and Geography.

Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market has been segmented by Type into Anodic inhibitors and Cathodic inhibitors.

The anodic inhibitors function by passivating metal surfaces, forming a protective oxide layer that prevents the initiation and propagation of corrosion reactions. These inhibitors are typically used in environments where metal oxidation is the predominant corrosion mechanism, such as acidic solutions or environments containing aggressive oxidizing agents. Anodic inhibitors include compounds such as chromates, phosphates, and nitrites, which are effective in providing long-term corrosion protection for various metal substrates.

In contrast, cathodic inhibitors work by suppressing the cathodic half-reaction of the corrosion process, thereby inhibiting the reduction of oxygen or hydrogen ions on metal surfaces. Cathodic inhibitors are often used in environments where cathodic reactions, such as oxygen reduction or hydrogen evolution, play a significant role in corrosion, such as alkaline solutions or environments with high concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Common cathodic inhibitors include compounds such as molybdates, tungstates, and nitrites, which act by forming insoluble precipitates or adsorbing onto metal surfaces to block cathodic sites and inhibit corrosion.

The choice between anodic and cathodic inhibitors depends on factors such as the specific corrosive environment, metal substrate, and desired level of corrosion protection. In some cases, a combination of both types of inhibitors may be used synergistically to provide comprehensive corrosion protection across a wide range of conditions. The selection of the most suitable inhibitor type and formulation is critical to achieving effective corrosion control and prolonging the service life of metal assets in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, transportation, and infrastructure.

Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market has been segmented by Application into Oil & gas industry, Water treatment plants and Surgery.

The oil & gas industry, where corrosion poses a significant threat to pipelines, storage tanks, and drilling equipment, inorganic corrosion inhibitors play a crucial role in mitigating corrosion-related damage and ensuring operational safety and reliability. These inhibitors are designed to form a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing corrosive agents from causing deterioration and extending the lifespan of critical assets in the oil and gas production and transportation sectors.

Water treatment plants also utilize inorganic corrosion inhibitors to safeguard infrastructure and equipment from corrosion damage caused by aggressive water chemistry and environmental conditions. Corrosion can compromise the integrity of piping systems, pumps, and storage tanks in water treatment facilities, leading to leaks, contamination, and costly repairs. Inorganic inhibitors are added to water treatment processes to form a passive film on metal surfaces, inhibiting the electrochemical reactions that drive corrosion and enhancing the durability and performance of infrastructure components critical for delivering safe and reliable water supplies to communities.

In the medical field, particularly in surgery and medical device manufacturing, inorganic corrosion inhibitors play a vital role in preserving the integrity and biocompatibility of metallic implants, instruments, and equipment used in surgical procedures. Corrosion inhibition is essential for ensuring the long-term functionality and safety of implants such as joint replacements, orthopedic screws, and cardiovascular stents, which are exposed to physiological fluids and corrosive environments within the human body. By preventing corrosion-induced degradation and metal ion release, inorganic inhibitors help maintain the structural integrity and biocompatibility of medical devices, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions and ensuring optimal patient outcomes in surgical settings.

Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2023

North America, comprising the United States and Canada, represents a mature market for inorganic corrosion inhibitors, driven by extensive industrialization across sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Stringent environmental regulations and industry standards mandate the use of corrosion inhibitors to protect critical assets and infrastructure against corrosion, thereby driving market demand. Ongoing investments in infrastructure renewal and maintenance projects further bolster the demand for corrosion inhibition solutions in North America.

In Europe, which includes countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France, the market for inorganic corrosion inhibitors is characterized by advanced technologies, stringent regulatory requirements, and a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. European industries prioritize asset integrity management and corrosion control strategies to ensure the reliability and safety of infrastructure assets, including pipelines, refineries, and chemical processing plants. The adoption of corrosion inhibitors is driven by the need to comply with regulations such as the European Union's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation, which aims to protect human health and the environment from the risks associated with chemicals, including corrosion inhibitors.

The Asia Pacific region, encompassing countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia, represents a rapidly growing market for inorganic corrosion inhibitors, propelled by robust industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development. Rising investments in sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, and construction drive the demand for corrosion inhibition solutions to protect critical infrastructure and equipment from corrosion damage. Stringent environmental regulations and increasing awareness of the importance of asset protection and sustainability further fuel market growth in the Asia Pacific region. As industries in the region continue to expand and modernize, the demand for inorganic corrosion inhibitors is expected to rise steadily, presenting lucrative opportunities for market players.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Industrial Expansion
• Regulatory Compliance

• Asset Protection : Asset protection lies at the core of the global inorganic corrosion inhibitor market, where these chemical compounds serve as essential tools in preserving the integrity and longevity of metal assets across diverse industries. Inorganic corrosion inhibitors form a vital line of defense against the destructive forces of corrosion, which can lead to structural degradation, equipment failure, and costly downtime. By effectively inhibiting corrosion processes, these inhibitors help to extend the service life of metal infrastructure, machinery, and equipment, thus reducing maintenance costs and enhancing operational reliability.

  Industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure rely heavily on inorganic corrosion inhibitors to protect critical assets from corrosion-related damage. In the oil and gas sector, for example, pipelines, storage tanks, and offshore platforms are exposed to harsh environments containing corrosive substances such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and saltwater. Inorganic inhibitors play a crucial role in mitigating corrosion in these environments, preventing costly leaks, spills, and environmental damage. In the power generation industry, boilers, turbines, and cooling systems are susceptible to corrosion caused by high temperatures, pressure, and water chemistry. Corrosion inhibitors help to maintain the efficiency and reliability of power plants by preventing corrosion-related failures and optimizing asset performance.

  Effective asset protection with inorganic corrosion inhibitors requires careful selection of inhibitor type, formulation, and application method based on the specific operating conditions and corrosion challenges faced by each industry. Manufacturers and end-users collaborate closely to develop corrosion control strategies tailored to the unique needs and requirements of their assets. By implementing proactive corrosion management practices and investing in corrosion inhibition solutions, industries can minimize the risks and costs associated with corrosion-related damage, ensuring the long-term integrity and productivity of their valuable assets.

Restraints

• Environmental Regulations
• Cost Concerns

• Compatibility Issues : Compatibility issues represent a significant challenge in the Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market, particularly concerning the interaction between inhibitors and the materials they are intended to protect. Inorganic corrosion inhibitors are formulated to create a protective barrier on metal surfaces, preventing corrosive processes from occurring. Certain inhibitors may exhibit compatibility issues with specific metals, alloys, or coatings, leading to unintended consequences such as reduced inhibition effectiveness, accelerated corrosion, or material degradation. These compatibility concerns are especially critical in industries like oil & gas, water treatment, and aerospace, where a wide range of metals and alloys are used in equipment and infrastructure.

  The complexity of industrial environments further exacerbates compatibility challenges, as corrosion inhibitors may come into contact with various substances such as acids, bases, salts, and organic compounds. Interactions between inhibitors and other chemicals can alter inhibitor performance or lead to chemical reactions that compromise the integrity of protective coatings or metal surfaces. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and flow dynamics can influence inhibitor behavior and exacerbate compatibility issues, making it essential for manufacturers to thoroughly evaluate inhibitor formulations under relevant operating conditions to ensure compatibility with intended applications.

  Addressing compatibility issues requires a comprehensive understanding of the chemical interactions between corrosion inhibitors and materials in different industrial environments. Manufacturers of inorganic corrosion inhibitors must conduct thorough testing and evaluation to assess compatibility with various metals, alloys, coatings, and process conditions. This may involve conducting corrosion compatibility tests, material compatibility studies, and performance evaluations in simulated operating environments to identify potential compatibility issues and optimize inhibitor formulations for specific applications. By proactively addressing compatibility concerns, manufacturers can ensure the effectiveness and reliability of corrosion inhibition solutions, enabling industries to protect critical infrastructure and equipment from corrosion-related damage and extend their service life.

Opportunities

• Infrastructure Protection
• Oil & Gas

• Power Generation : In the power generation industry, inorganic corrosion inhibitors play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure and equipment from corrosion-related damage. Power generation facilities, including thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, and renewable energy installations, rely on a wide range of metal components and systems that are exposed to corrosive environments such as high temperatures, moisture, and chemical contaminants. Corrosion in power generation equipment can lead to efficiency losses, operational disruptions, and safety hazards, underscoring the importance of effective corrosion control measures.

  Inorganic corrosion inhibitors are extensively used in power generation facilities to mitigate corrosion in boilers, steam turbines, condensers, heat exchangers, cooling systems, and auxiliary equipment. These inhibitors are tailored to withstand the harsh conditions prevalent in power generation environments and provide long-term protection against corrosion mechanisms such as oxidation, pitting, and stress corrosion cracking. For instance, in thermal power plants, where steam boilers are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, chromate-based inhibitors are commonly employed to passivate metal surfaces and prevent corrosion in boiler tubes and piping systems.

  In nuclear power plants, where corrosion can compromise the integrity of reactor coolant systems and containment structures, inorganic corrosion inhibitors are essential for maintaining safety and reliability. Corrosion inhibitors are used in various applications, including reactor coolant treatment, steam generator water chemistry control, and corrosion monitoring. Cathodic inhibitors, such as molybdates and tungstates, are often utilized to protect reactor internals and components from corrosion under alkaline conditions. Corrosion inhibitors are employed in renewable energy installations such as solar thermal power plants and geothermal facilities to protect metal components from degradation and extend their service life. Inorganic corrosion inhibitors play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of power generation facilities by preventing corrosion-related failures and minimizing maintenance costs.

Key players in Global Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor Market include:

• Nouryon (Amsterdam)
• Henkel (Germany)
• The Lubrizol (US)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Ecolab Inc. (US)
• Solenis LLC (US)
• Baker Hughes (US)
• Lonza (Switzerland)
• The Dow Chemical Company (US)
• Suez S.A. (France)

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis