Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI)

What Does Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Mean?

A volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) is a chemical substance that is added to the surface of a paper. Metal that is to be protected is covered with this paper, and these chemicals are slowly volatilized and release compounds within a sealed airspace that actively prevents surface corrosion of the metal.

Wrapping metals in volatile corrosion-inhibitor-coated paper provides excellent short-term protection against corrosion. The chemicals in the paper continuously vaporize to insulate sensitive parts against moisture and humidity.

A volatile corrosion inhibitor is also known as a vapor corrosion inhibitor.

Corrosionpedia Explains Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI)

A VCI’s vapor moves from the initial packaging in which it was contained and fills the entire volume within the storage system with a continuous chemical cloud. When the vapor concentration reaches a certain level, equilibrium is established, provided the package is airtight, and crystals condense rapidly on the surface of the metal. VCI molecules attach themselves to metal surfaces to form an invisible, thin film only a few molecules thick. This layer of molecules passivates the charged surface and creates a barrier that prevents oxidation, thus halting corrosion.