VCI is an acronym for Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor. VCI chemicals are a class of corrosion-inhibiting compounds which have sufficient vapour pressure to release molecules from the compound into the air. Technology Packaging’s TechCorro™ VCI products are produced in the UK and Europe and contain proprietary TRUGUARD VCI chemicals directly in the packaging. Our packaging products include papers, films, foams, nettings, chipboards, plastics and many other packaging components, which safely prevent corrosion on protected metals without the need for messy grease, oils, protective coatings or other ineffective methods.

When using TechCorro™ VCI products properly, protection will last for years. Technology Packaging offers a range of VCI products to protect a variety of metals for specific packaging requirements. A normal 1010 steel panel wrapped properly in TechCorro™ papers using TRUGUARD VCI can remain protected for over two years, and much longer depending on the packaging system.

From strictly a corrosion-inhibitor standpoint, paper has been a better inhibitor of rust due to the way the VCI is impregnated into the paper and released into the air and onto the product. VCI papers have been in existence for over 50 years, first adopted by the United States Military. Because of paper’s characteristics, it is able to protect a part more quickly than polyethylene VCI. This is not to say that VCI Poly is not an excellent product or that it does not have its place — but from a pure rust-inhibitor standpoint, paper has proven over the long haul to be slightly more effective.

VCI Poly has several advantages as a corrosion-inhibiting packaging medium. The three main advantages are:

• Provides a moisture barrier in addition to a corrosion inhibitor.
• Offers ease of use by simply placing a product into a treated TechCorro™ VCI bag.
• Where a customer is already using a poly bag for moisture, dust and containment reasons, a TechCorro™ VCI bag delivers these same benefits with the addition of corrosion-inhibiting protection.

The disadvantage of VCI Poly is that, from a purely corrosion-inhibiting standpoint, paper has a slight edge in overall protection. However, this is slight, and usually the advantages weigh more favourably than the disadvantages.

VCI products and desiccants work in completely different ways. TechCorro™ VCI products prevent corrosion by an electro-chemical process that forms a thin molecular layer of protection on the metal surface. This layer is microscopic, does not alter the metal in any way, and does not require removal after the part is taken from the package. A desiccant is simply a moisture absorber; it absorbs moisture but does not satisfactorily protect a metal surface from other electrolytes that cause corrosion, such as oxygen. In fact, if a desiccant packet absorbs moisture as it should, it can actually cause rust wherever a metal part touches the packet. In most applications we recommend that, if a desiccant packet is used, it be placed in an area that will not touch the parts.

Our latest-generation desiccant contains VCI (VCI+Dry) and offers:

• Double protection: combines high moisture absorption and VCI vapour emission in a single, integrated product — simultaneous control of humidity and corrosion.
• Superior absorption: up to 10× more absorption capacity compared to traditional clay desiccants, ensuring maximum protection in humid or fluctuating environments.
• Long-term performance: designed for extended service life without rapid saturation, making it ideal for long-duration storage, overseas shipment and harsh climates.
• Safe & clean: non-toxic, nitrite-free and chromate-free formulation, safe for workers, sensitive materials and electronic equipment.
• Cost-efficient: reduces packaging complexity and cost by eliminating the need for separate desiccant and VCI systems.

Corrugated cardboard is generally acidic by nature and acts as a sponge, absorbing moisture due to its characteristics. It absorbs water and moisture even within a normal distribution environment. When metal or metal parts are placed directly on or near corrugated cardboard, moisture and/or acidity transfer occurs, which directly causes corrosion on the metal surface.

It is important to place TechCorro™ VCI packaging between metals and acidic materials such as corrugated board and wood to prevent corrosion at contact points. These materials include boxes, trays, sheets and pallets.

Diverse needs call for diverse solutions. TechCorro / TRUGUARD have developed a new VCI blend which protects a very wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals extremely well. This is available at 50 and 70 grams per square metre, either in rolls or sheets depending on your needs.

Metals are composed of many different elements. Due to the vast differences in metal composition, one cannot protect varying metals with a single formulation without a sacrifice in performance — or, worse, outright failure. That is why Technology Packaging offers many types of VCI paper for your specific metal needs.

• Cost-effective protection.
• VCI vapours replenish inside a contained package.
• Easy to apply.
• No grease, messy oils or surface preparation.
• No need to remove VCI protection before using or welding the product.
• Vapours penetrate recessed, inaccessible areas.
• Provides up to 2 years of corrosion protection (and more depending on the type of packaging).

It is extremely important that all workers wear gloves — not only to protect their hands but also to eliminate acidity and moisture transferring onto the part. This is a very real problem in many manufacturing facilities. Human hands carry moisture and acidity that transfer directly onto metal, and this will lead to corrosion at some point. In conditions of more severe temperature and/or humidity the problem arises much more quickly. Where a metal part is more susceptible to rust due to machined surfaces or metal composition, the problem is exponentially greater.

Yes. Technology Packaging offers full-service, in-house accelerated corrosion testing at no charge to its customers. Corrosion testing is carried out to German standard TL-8135-004.

Your parts should be clean and free from corrosion before packaging. Beyond that, the three key factors are:

• Package clean parts as soon as possible after processing, manufacturing or cleaning.
• Parts should be at ambient temperature when closing the VCI media.
• Use gloves when handling parts to eliminate corrosion caused by fingerprints.

• Call our sales team on +44 (0) 203 598 1919.
• Email us at inbox@technologypackaging.com.
• Complete the webform on our Contact Us page.

Corrosion is the natural mechanism by which metal returns to its original state of ore. It is an electro-chemical process: electrons flow from high-energy areas of the metal to low-energy areas through a solution on the surface of the metal that is capable of supporting corrosion. Corrosion will not take place without a conducting solution. That solution is called an electrolyte, caused by water, rain, moisture and humidity. As little as 65% relative humidity will form an electrolyte, which can cause corrosion.

Technology Packaging can tell you exactly how much VCI is contained in our products, giving your parts the added insurance they need to remain corrosion-free. For example, our papers contain a specified and measured amount of VCI additive, as measured in g/m². This ability to monitor and control the amount is a testament to our quality and continuous improvement. If a company cannot specify and consistently meet a given coating weight of VCI on a substrate, it runs the risk of having too little VCI to get the job done.

Technology Packaging has never been contacted regarding an issue with VCI compatibility on non-metallic surfaces such as plastics, rubbers or wood. However, since there are so many possible combinations of ingredients, processes and types of these substrates, it is impossible to guarantee anything regarding their suitability with VCI. Other rust-prevention methods such as oils, greases and other liquid RPs (rust preventatives) pose a much higher likelihood of reacting with plastics, rubbers and wood. It remains important for each customer to check VCI compatibility themselves with these substances, due to the complexity and number of plastics, rubber materials and woods in the marketplace.

Technology Packaging offers stock TechCorro™ papers which are normally available for next-day shipment. In addition, a range of TechCorro™ film products are available. Please contact us for details.

Airtight packaging is not required for a VCI product to work; however, the VCI vapours must be enclosed in some fashion. For example, parts placed onto an interleaving sheet can be protected with TechCorro™ paper interleaved between the parts. Parts should be completely wrapped or enclosed — airtight packaging is most effective for the best results and the longest protection time.

Due to the abundance of metals available, as well as the numerous coolants, washes, rust-preventative oils and other substances used within a manufacturing process, it is important to check VCI compatibility with these substances. While TechCorro™ VCI products rarely react with any of these elements, occasionally there may be factors that either react adversely with a particular VCI formula or act to diminish VCI performance.

Ferrous metals are all metals which contain iron; steel is an example of a ferrous metal. Metals which contain other elements such as zinc, magnesium, copper, etc. are classified as non-ferrous.

Corrosion begins when an electrolyte (water, oxygen, humidity) is present on the surface of a metal. When this happens, electrons flow from high-energy areas of the metal to low-energy areas in a loop, through the electrolyte, and the process results in oxidation forming on the metal surface. TRUGUARD Volatile Corrosion Inhibiting technology from Technology Packaging retards this reaction by passivating the surface and inhibiting the electro-chemical mechanism that triggers oxidation — i.e. the current flow from anode to cathode. The electrical current attempts to flow from the anode through the electrolyte into the cathode but cannot, because of the VCI’s presence. VCI molecules attach themselves to the metal surface to form an invisible film, possibly only a few molecules or even one molecule thick, to protect the metal from attack. TechCorro™ VCI products can work for several years to prevent corrosion from occurring on the metal surface.

A silent predator is stalking companies all over the world. Triggered by humidity, oxygen and other elements in the atmosphere, it is called corrosion, and each year it costs hundreds of millions of pounds in corporate profits. Corrosion is a natural process in which refined metals attempt to return to their natural state. The more energy used to refine ore into metal, the faster the metal will corrode.