The barrier and ion exchange inhibition properties of NaX zeolite particles were examined in this research. The hydrothermally synthesized zeolite micro and nano particles with different Si/Al ratios were doped with zinc cations and incorporated in epoxy ester coating. The electrochemical data and surface analysis revealed that the doped nano-sized zeolite particles have enhanced barrier properties during immersion time by increasing the electrolyte pathways. In addition, the active anticorrosion properties of the zeolite nanoparticles with lower Si/Al ratio were shown to be more effective than those of zeolite microparticles, probably due to release of more inhibiting species gradually. During the corrosion reaction, the zinc cations released from the zeolite structure due to exchange with Na+ ions from the corrosive media caused a decline in the corrosion rate by forming zinc hydroxide precipitates in the active zones. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.