What is Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor?

Corrosion is pretty much inevitable. Upon exposure to the elements, all materials tend to go through corrosion in one way or another. There are ways to prevent corrosion, such as galvanisation and paint. One such method is VCI or Volatile Coating Inhibitors.

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors are a class of corrosion-inhibiting compounds with sufficient vapour pressure to release molecules from the compound into the air. When these compounds come into association with metal surfaces, they form a thin molecular layer that effectively inhibits corrosion on the surface of the metal by preventing air and moisture from coming in contact with the surface. Unlike other corrosion prevention methods, corrosion-inhibiting vapours can reach into intricate surfaces that would otherwise be hard to contact with the traditionally used rust prevention products.

Available Forms

Metal parts can come in various shapes, weights, and sizes. VCI packaging technology is available in different types like VCI Paper, VCI Foam, VCI Packaging Film, VCI Packaging Emitters, VCI Powders, VCI Tablets, and VCI Liquids, all of which will be described further in this article.

• VCI Packaging Film – They are used in bags and cover the metal as a film layer. VCI Films can be used to pack a variety of things for protection. It is also used to package large machines when transportation is required.
• VCI Packaging Foam – This comes in various-sized pieces and can be used with films and often placed within electrical cabinets and containers.
• VCI Packaging Paper – This is usually used to wrap metal parts, separate layers between elements, or even draped over parts. VCI paper is commonly used within wooden crates or boxes.
• VCI Packaging Emitters – These are used in closed Cabinets to protect electrical parts or components.
• VCI Powders – These are used in closed systems like water systems. They are ideal for the protection of tanks and vessels.
• VCI Tablets – These can be placed in smaller packages and help combat corrosion.
• VCI Liquids – These are used to coat metal parts. VCI liquids help avoid corrosion to a great extent.

Using a combination of 2 or more packaging methods can prove to be very useful for combating corrosion.

Importance of VCI

VCI packaging is a must-have for manufacturers because it helps keep metal parts rust-free during shipping. Avoiding corrosion is critical for manufacturers because they can lose customers if they do not ensure rust-free products upon delivery. For this reason, the application of VCI technology is necessary for such companies.

Benefits of VCI

Using VCI Packaging, manufacturers can avoid situations where they lose business due to corrosion. Metal parts can very quickly be affected by rust, and this method is a very effective way of getting rid of corrosion. It can keep parts of a machine rust-free for up to 3 years. Some VCI packaging methods can completely lock out moisture. Having parts wrapped before being shipped is better than shipping with the risk of rusting the parts.

In conclusion, VCI is a very effective method of avoiding corrosion. It provides a long-lasting solution against rust and is especially useful for manufacturers who need to ship components and prevent rust and other forms of corrosion. VCI protection can help businesses with their benefits and is genuinely an incredible advancement in technology.

Here is a video about Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI).