Industry manufacturers refer to VCIs as vapor corrosion inhibitors and volatile corrosion inhibitors. They are chemicals that protect the surface of metals from corrosion. Corrosion inhibitors are a class of substances that can prevent corrosion when added in small amounts.

How Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors Work

VCI corrosion protection works by creating a thin film of molecular ions, which shields metal surfaces from the corrosive effects of moisture, air, and other substances. This invisible film acts as a barrier that prevents air, corrosive environments, and moisture from coming into contact with the metal surface.

The metal part, which must be protected, is wrapped in a special VCI sheet, bag, paper, or film that releases small amounts of vapor corrosion inhibitor ions into the surrounding atmosphere. As a result, the part that is being protected is enclosed in a VCI-rich atmosphere. The VCI vapor then interacts with the metal surface. VCI molecules attach themselves to the metal surface by creating powerful bonds with metal atoms. This creates a very thin, invisible layer of passive oxide on the metal.

As a result, VCI corrosion protection can protect metal parts from rust and corrosion for many years. VCIs work for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. These chemicals can be useful in situations where it is not practical to apply surface treatments to protect the metal from rust or corrosion.

VCI Applications

Vapor corrosion inhibitors have become essential across a wide range of industries due to their versatility and effectiveness. In the oil and gas sector, VCIs are used to protect the internal surfaces of pipelines after hydrotesting and to safeguard tank bottoms from localized corrosion, significantly reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure. The automotive industry relies on VCI wraps and coatings to shield vehicle components from rust caused by moisture, road salts, and temperature fluctuations, thereby enhancing durability and minimizing repair expenses. Marine and offshore environments, which are particularly harsh due to saltwater and high humidity, benefit from vapor corrosion inhibitor technology by protecting equipment and ship hulls during storage and shipping, preventing structural weakening and reducing the frequency of recoating.

In addition to these applications, VCIs play a vital role in protecting sensitive electronics and aerospace components from moisture and oxidation, ensuring operational reliability and extending product lifespans. One of the key advantages of vapor corrosion inhibitors is their ability to reach and protect intricate or hard-to-access areas that traditional rust prevention methods cannot adequately cover. Regular monitoring, such as using corrosion coupons or electrical resistance probes, helps ensure the long-term effectiveness of VCI protection, with most applications providing reliable results for three to five years or more under optimal conditions. This broad applicability and ease of use make VCIs an indispensable solution for industries seeking cost-effective, long-lasting corrosion protection.

Invisible Layer of Protection

When you use VCI packages for your metal parts, you will not notice the presence of any film since the layer is only a few molecules thick. The layer is dry and inert. It does not have any impact on the physical properties of the metal part. You can use the metal part right away by taking it out of the VCI package. You can paint, treat, or use the metal part directly without the need to clean the surface.

VCIs have a major advantage over other rust prevention products. Due to their nature, vapor corrosion inhibitors can reach difficult areas that may not be accessible to conventional rust prevention products.

Phoenix Plastics manufactures top-quality vapor corrosion inhibitor products, which can preserve your metal components for a long time and provide a great return on investment. Phoenix Plastics’ VCI products are a cost-effective solution for ensuring a long service life on metal components. Even more, they are multi-metal and nitrate/nitrite-free.

Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor Products

At Phoenix Plastics, we produce our VCI compound products in our ISO:9001-certified facility. Furthermore, our VCI masterbatch has received the MIL-SPEC PRF-22019E approval. For the best corrosion protection, contact Phoenix Plastics’ customer representatives online. However, for immediate assistance, call us toll-free at 1-866-760-2311 to gain more insight into the most suitable VCI products for your needs.