VCI – Vapor Corrosion inhibitor: A Need For Secured Packaging

What is A Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor?

 

VCI – Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor VCI provides anti-corrosive metal protection to address the corrosive nature of ferrous and non-ferrous metal products. A unique multi-metallic VCI concentrate for plastic and paper application. VCI is the environmentally preferred corrosion protection for metal components. VCI master batch can be blended with many polyethylene resins (LLDPE/LDPE/HDPE/PP) to form a broad range of anti-corrosion packaging systems.  Kraft paper can also be used as the carrier for VCI.

 

Why to Use VCI?

 

Worldwide corrosion costs industry and manufacturing approximately US $1.8 Trillion annually. VCI protects against corrosion and other environmental variables that are directly responsible for loss due to corrosion attack.

• It provides effective corrosion protection to a wide range of metal types
• Its versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of polymer systems and many fields
• VCI films provide protection against moisture
• VCI is clean, very easy to use and handle
• VCI films allow for visual inspection of product without unwrapping
• VCI reduces the need for additional oils, greases and desiccants
• Vapors penetrate recessed inaccessible areas
• Once unpacked the metals do not require additional cleaning or degreasing treatments
• Numerous benefits result in reduced labor costs

 

Corrosion

 

• Corrosion is the deterioration of a material undergoes as a result of its interaction with its surroundings. Although this definition is applicable to any type of material, it is usually reserved for metallic (ferrous and non-ferrous) alloys. Corrosion processes not only influence the chemical properties of a metal but also generate changes in its physical properties and its mechanical behavior.
• Corrosion is the electrochemical reaction between a material, usually a metal, and its environment that produces a deterioration of the material and its properties.
• Corrosion is the oxidation of metals in the presence of water or water vapor etc.

Corrosion results in tarnish, pitting, and flaking

 

Cost of Corrosion

 

• A recent estimate of the worldwide direct cost of corrosion – for prevention as well as repair and replacement – exceeded $1.8 trillion.
• India loses $40 billion* a year due to corrosion in infrastructure and industries segments – about 4 % of the size of the total economy *Ref. Press Trust of India New Delhi, Oct 2014

 

Fighting Corrosion With VCI

 

• Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors work by diffusing corrosion inhibiting molecules from a source (packaging film or paper for example) to metal surfaces.
• These molecules settle on metal surfaces and form a protective corrosion inhibiting layer that inhibits the electro-chemical reactions that cause corrosion to form.
• An estimated 25 to 30 % of the annual cost of corrosion can now be avoided if optimum corrosion management practices are employed i.e. VCI packaging.  VCI is one of the most cost effective versatile tools fighting corrosion.

 

How Does VCI Work?

 

When VCI is incorporated into a polymer system or Kraft paper, the finished product offers corrosion protection by releasing vapors which form a monomolecular protective layer on the surface of the metal component to be protected. This protective layer remains until the package is opened and then evaporates leaving a clean metal surface that is free of corrosion.

 

VCI Protection is a Function of:

• Which metals are in need of protection?
• Corrosion inhibiting chemicals used and their effectiveness on the metals.
• Ratio of chemicals in the formulation.
• Amount of VCI in the paper or in the film.
• Water solubility and the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitor in presents of moisture and/or high humidity.
• The overall packaging design and the conditions expected during packaging, shipping and storing.

 

VCI Applications