VCI Packaging: The Best Solution to Protect Metal Products in Transit

Corrosion is never good. It is the nonstop, "always on" destruction of materials. What did the materials do to deserve this? Nothing. Simply by existing and coming into contact with oxygen, water, and other elements – corrosion affects naturally everything. However, while the materials we rely on for all kinds of products can not do much (apart from what they already do) to avoid corrosion, a number of technologies have emerged to combat it. Chief among those technologies are VCI's, or "volatile corrosion inhibitors".

Volatile Corrosion Inhibiwhat? Volatile corrosion inhibitors are a type of corrosion inhibitor frequently used to protect ferrous materials from corrosion. More specifically, "ferrous" materials typically include those that are composed of iron. They are frequently used on copper, cast iron, aluminum, galvanized steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, and more.

Volatile corrosion inhibitors work by creating a neutral environment inside of a packaging. By working on the principle of difference in vapor pressure, VCI's slowly release their compounds within a sealed area to prevent corrosion on a variety of surfaces. The corrosive elements VCI's work to protect metal from include humidity, water, oxygen, extreme temperatures, acids, friction, salt, chemicals and other materials. By shielding materials from these elements with volatile corrosion inhibitors the end user does not have to contend with rust removal, cleaning, repairs, and more. Additionally, VCI's ensure RoHS compliance, meet Mil-spec PRF-22019E and are 100% recyclable.

One of the primary benefits of VCI's is that when a container is open and then subsequently reclosed, the levels of VCI present will recover. This makes VCI's an invaluable prevention prevention tool for everything from tool boxes to mailing and shipping containers.

Fortunately, volatile corrosion inhibitors are a flexible way to prevent corrosion and can be provided inside a package, as a film, in a pouch, or can be added to overwrap and special VCI paper. Today VCI packaging is frequently used to protect and extend the life of all kinds of metal surfaces, no matter where they're or where they're going. Whether a material is being stores, shipped, or simply handled in a corrosive environment – VCI's ensure the product is protected, no matter how small or large. In many cases, VCI's can reliably protect enclosed materials for up to two years.

Given that shipping products properly can mean the difference between a successful product and expensive delays, VCI packaging is important to businesses and consumers in every industry. With just a little bit of science and a fraction of time, it's possible to protect metal products of all sizes from one of the most ubiquitous destructive forces in the world.