KEY
HC= Highly Corrosive
MC= Mildly Corrosive
LE= Limited Effect
NC= Non-Corrosive

Due to the various chemicals, gases and cleaners within a manufacturing plant, it is imperative to cover metal parts with VCI Packaging as soon after production or processes as possible. Contamination on components is a problem that, depending on the level of cleanliness required, can be extremely serious. 

The above chart indicates various gases and their corrosive effects on metals.  Whenever possible, it is best to wrap metal parts inside a vapour tight barrier of Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Packaging, to eliminate the possibility of corrosive gases from affecting the component.

Technology Packaging provide a full range of  best-fit products aimed at making sure customers goods arrive in pristine condition at the lowest cost. Technology Packaging advice is FOC as are the Packaging Audits it can carry out on your or your suppliers packaging. Furthermore, free training can be provided on corrosion and corrosion protection.

To obtain a quote, request a sample or technical support please call
+44 (0) 203 598 19 19 or visit our enquiry page.

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS ARE NOT EXPENSIVE
– THEY’RE INVALUABLE

​The choice between the use of VCI paper or VCI poly (film) can be a difficult one. It can be determined by the answers to three questions: 
1. What is the application? 
2. Where is the product being shipped and stored? 
3. How demanding is the shipment? 

What is the application? 
Is the metal object to be protected a single part or multiple parts? 
Is the metal object in a returnable container or a corrugated one-way box? 
Is the object a large piece of machinery or a small gear? 
How long from when packaging is completed, will it be shipped?
What are the process conditions?

​Typically, VCI film is easier and more cost-effective to produce into bags compared to paper. When multiple parts are in need of protection, the use of a poly bag is a simple and easy alternative to wrapping them in VCI paper. In the case of returnable containers, a VCI poly bag is often used to enclose the entire container and depending upon the returnable trays or layers, paper or film may be used. 
If the item is a large piece of equipment, it is not feasible to wrap the entire piece in paper because the paper can become wet and break down. In these situations, a combination of both is recommended -- use VCI paper on the inside for sensitive areas and VCI film on the outside to enclose the unit and provide barrier properties. 

Where is the product being shipped and stored? 
Is the metal item being shipped from Nottingham to Newcastle or from Manchester to Michigan? Is the item going to be stored for three months inside a controlled warehouse or four years? 
As a general rule, if something is going to be exported, the items should be protected in an enclosed bag. A VCI poly bag will provide moisture and oxygen protection as well as the VCI corrosion inhibitor. Using a non-VCI bag and VCI paper is another alternative. Making the choice will be based on cost, on the level of protection required, on the ease of the packaging process as well as other factors.
That said, if a part is being packaged in a humid environment and then shipped, a combination of VCI paper and VCI poly may be necessary – see ‘Some facts..’ below. Additional VCI paper would be used inside the package with VCI poly encompassing the outside of the entire package to provide a moisture and oxygen barrier. 

How demanding is the shipment? 
Has there been an ongoing rust problem? Are the metals highly sensitive to corrosion? In the case of ongoing rust problems, Technology Packaging typically leads with VCI paper as the first line of defence. Paper is used as a “carrier” of the VCI chemical because paper is more porous than film. Paper allows the VCI to leave it more rapidly providing quicker protection to the metal surface. In the case of flash-rust concerns for example, VCI paper is a better option.

Some facts about VCI polythene films: 
• Offers the combined benefit of barrier materials with anti-corrosion properties. 
• Ideal for large bulk items in bins (nuts, bolts, etc.) such as a bin liner bag. 
• Great for large equipment that cannot be wrapped in paper. 
• Film, especially high-density polyethylene, is conformable and may be a better fit as a tray liner for trays with cavities. 
• Film has more flexibility to be converted into more convenient packaging methods such as zipper bags, tubing and elastic bonnets. 

Some facts about VCI paper:
• Provides a quicker vapour corrosion inhibitor. Paper as a carrier is more porous and allows the VCI chemical to leave the paper faster than film and fill the enclosed air-space more quickly than VCI film. 
• TechCorro™[P] papers are impregnated with VCI which allows for easy interleaving between layers of parts (top and bottom). 
• VCI papers are better at protecting highly sensitive parts that allow for a full wrap. 
• VCI papers provide some secondary absorption properties due to the fact that the paper as a carrier is porous. 
• VCI paper works at a greater distance than VCI film

Get advice:
Technology Packaging experienced staff are trained in asking the right questions and providing sound, objective and free reports allowing for the best-fit solutions. 
​
To obtain a quote, request a sample or technical support
please call +44 (0) 203 598 19 19 or visit our enquiry page.

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS ARE NOT EXPENSIVE
– THEY’RE INVALUABLE

VCI is the generic term for “volatile corrosion inhibitor” also known as “vapour corrosion inhibitor”.
We have posted many technical articles on our blog about various types of VCI products and VCI packaging so we thought it would be a good idea to explain exactly what VCIs are and how they work.

First off - what IS a Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor?
Simply put they are chemical compounds that can reduce the rate of corrosion of ferrous metals like steel and nonferrous metals like copper and alloy. VCIs can be incorporated into different materials and come in various guises depending on the application they are to be used for including films, papers and cardboard and liquid corrosion inhibitors.

You will find information and guides to the various types of VCI formulations on our website. VCI compounds comprise several different chemicals but they do NOT clean off rust that has already formed.

VCIs are widely used in packaging to protect metal parts during storage and transportation. Other uses include protection of electrical installations, storage tank liners and even the interior of large enclosed spaces..

So how does a Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor work?
● The VCI compounds emit vapour molecules from the carrier material (paper, film,
bag etc)
● The atmosphere becomes saturated with VCI.
● The VCI compounds are attracted to the surface of the metal and bonds to it.
● The VCI molecules migrate into hard to reach areas on even the most complex
shapes.
● This affects the electro-chemical reaction and forms a protective layer on the metal
surfaces, which greatly reduce the possibility of rust and corrosion.

How long does a Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor work?
The VCI can protect for several years depending on many factors including temperature, storage conditions, type of metal and other packaging. It is therefore important to use the correct VCI product for your particular requirements and Technology Packaging’s team can advise you on your packaging.

Where can I find more information?
Help and advice is only a phone call away and will cost your nothing!
Our complete range of specialist corrosion preventive packaging uniquely provides us with the ability to give you the best solution for your business.

If you have a packaging problem you can Telephone: +44 (0)20 3598 1919
Email: inbox@technologypackaging.com
Find further information
Compare VCI Products

Products designed for the protection of metal and metal
components
VCIs and their method of providing corrosion protection
VCIs emit small amounts of harmless active corrosion inhibitors. They are attracted to the charged surface of the metal. The flow of electrons in the metal and the flow of ions in the electrolyte surface is unable to operate and corrosion is halted. The length of protection depends on many factors and Technology Packaging staff are available to answer specific questions on corrosion protection or to provide detailed, objective
proposals on suitable methods. This is true whether the problem relates to new projects or existing problematic transit and/or storage systems.

​Products (VCIs and other products for protecting metal)

• VCI Papers in wide and narrow widths, plain, crepe, reinforced, laminated and polythene coated.
• VCI films: Mono, Co-ex, Hi-Impact, Stretch, Shrink, Flow-wrap, Bubble, Laminated VCI products using many different polymer types, specially developed and constructed technical products
• VCI Plastics, VCI Boards, VCI Emitters
• Desiccants
• Laminated films including aluminium foil laminates
• Liquid Corrosion Inhibitors: Water displacing, Oil based, Water based, VCI, Gel, VOC free.

Products designed for the Auto-Wrapping of coils and sheets
VCI films: Mono, Co-ex, Hi-Impact, Stretch, Shrink, Flow-wrap, Laminated
using many different polymer types, specially developed and constructed
technical products.
Most of these can be supplied without VCI where other adequate protection is used or if the product does not require it, e.g. Painted aluminium.
Our technical products can be printed with your company name and/or logo to endorse your company’s message or adhere to marketing requirements.

TechCorro Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs) from ARMOR can reduce a metal's susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement.  TechCorro VCI molecules attach themselves to metal surfaces forming an invisible thin film. The VCI film will passivate the substrate, inhibit oxidation, and provide a barrier on the metal surface. This leads to a reduced susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. 

What is Hydrogen embrittlement? 
Hydrogen embrittlement is the process where metals become brittle following exposure to hydrogen. Hydrogen is first adsorbed onto the metal surface before penetrating the metal lattice in ionic form as protons. Hydrogen protons re-combine in lattice dislocations (micro voids) forming hydrogen molecules. The hydrogen molecules are unable to diffuse out of the metal matrix and will build pressure inside the micro voids. This hydrogen pressure will cause a marked loss in the plastic strain capacity of the metal, reducing the ductility and tensile strength.   
 
Hydrogen embrittlement can occur during manufacturing processes, storage, or operational use - anywhere that the metal comes into contact with atomic or molecular hydrogen. Common ways in which hydrogen is introduced to the metal matrix include corrosion, chemical reactions on the metal surface and contact with acids or with other chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide or even water.   

How do Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors work? 
TechCorro VCIs are engineered highly specialised corrosion inhibitors based on aliphatic and nitrogen containing salts. The salts disassociate to form ions, permeating the packaging environment with corrosion inhibitors. The inhibiting ions are attracted to, and deposit on, metallic surfaces displacing moisture in the process and re-associating to form a stable nano-coating only a few molecules thick.  
 
Components in TechCorro VCIs reduce the activity of hydrogen in the environment and on the metal substrate.  Nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic compounds inhibit hydrogen from forming ionic protons. VCI molecules passivate the metal surface neutralising the effects of chemical contaminants. TechCorroâ„¢ VCI nano-coating also forms an effective barrier to help prevent hydrogen-donating chemicals from coming in contact with the metal substrate.  

Get in touch for free advice on corrosion packaging technology problems or for information on how to improve your corrosion protection and protective packaging technology and save costs for your business.

Tough, Durable Cost-Effective VCI Film
​
What is VCI?
VCI is an acronym for Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor. When you combine VCI
compounds with ferrous or non-ferrous metal in an enclosed space like a bag,
container, tool box, or storage bin, something magical happens. VCI molecules
are released and they are attracted to the surface of the metal just like a magnet.
Even more amazing, the VCI molecules attach themselves to the surface of the
metal and they form a thin, protective shield. Just imagine, it is like covering
metal or metal parts with a warm, cozy blanket that keeps the rust away.

Defender and Crusader VCI Films
Technology Packaging stock a comprehensive line of Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) films. These TechCorro™VCI films are your first choice for those looking for a film that is strong, puncture resistant and reusable. The VCI film is made from high-tech resins and cutting-edge extrusion technology and co-extruded with three, unique layers. This three-layer construction (most VCI films are single layer) positions VCI on the inside, closest to the metal part, and offers a stronger, more durable moisture barrier ideal for extreme conditions or long-term storage. Defender VCI film is 25% thinner than Crusader and results in cost savings of up to 15% while exceeding the material properties of thicker film. To find out which product will be the best solution for your requirements please submit a support request or give us a call.

Defender VCI Bags
The Defender is a co-extruded VCI poly bag that provides a cost-effective alternative to standard mono-extruded films. Economical and tough it makes use of three layers of film to prevent corrosion and provide additional barrier protection while increasing durability and puncture resistance.

Crusader VCI Bags
The Crusader is also a co-extruded VCI poly bag that provides a higher protection level than standard mono-extruded films and even Defender films. They are tough and use three layers of film to prevent corrosion and provide much improved barrier protection while increasing durability and puncture resistance.
​
These Defender & Crusader VCI bags provide outstanding corrosion inhibiting performance.

VCI Film Applications
Our range of VCI films were developed for the most demanding corrosion-inhibiting applications and are designed to prevent corrosion, provide additional barrier protection, and to increase durability and puncture resistance at an economical price. Defender and Crusader VCI films provide 50% more barrier protection than comparable mono-extruded film.

This makes them ideal for metal parts needing corrosion prevention and containment or providing barrier properties in shipping or storage, bin liners or for long-term storage.

Corrosion Prevention Technology
With 20 years in business, Technology Packaging offers a full line-up of corrosion inhibiting VCI products that are clean, safe, easy to use and extremely effective. We provide innovative protective packaging products and best in class corrosion protection solutions with our range of VCI papers and films, VCI emitters, desiccants and rust prevention and remover liquids. 

Our protective packaging materials are clean, safe and provide an easy replacement for other common rust prevention methods like grease, oils or other messy protective coatings. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or request a sample or request technical support we will be happy to help.

You can also request a quote for a specific project and find additional information about all our products and services at www.technologypackaging.com or just give us a call on +44 (0)20 3598 1919