Thread: VCI: Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor

I received a new razor, and it was packed with a special paper.
Ilrasoio.com - è arrivato il postino!

This paper belongs to a type that reduces the oxidation of the environment in which the metal is stored.
So perfect (in theory) as a prevention of rust.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volati...sion_inhibitor
There are various suppliers, but the Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology is the standard.

They are active substances transported through the gaseous phase, which create an anticorrosive protection on the metal surface.
VCI describes an active system, and is not a registered trademark of a particular manufacturer.

The mode of action, up to the anticorrosive protection, takes place in three steps:
1. The active substances VCI sublimate (evaporate) from the vehicle material (film, paper, envelope) into the enclosed space of the package.
2. The active substances VCI are mixed by diffusion into the enclosed space of the package, become richer and begin to adhere.
3. Creation of a monomolecular VCI film on the metal surface.

The formation phase depends on the size of the packaging, ie the volume of air contained in it.
The greater the volume of packaging, the greater the time needed for the training phase.
When a monomolecular film of VCI active substances has been created on the metal surface.
Then the metal is actively protected from the negative actions of atmospheric oxygen and moisture.
At this point the metal is ready to be shipped or stored.

Surface conditions required for each type of corrosion protection:
• clean
• free from humidity
• not corroded
The active effect of the anticorrosive protection depends on the state of the metal surface.
Residues, dirt, dust, or salts can only be partially controlled by the active substances VCI.
In this regard, the washing and cleaning processes take on particular importance

The drastic reduction or even the complete elimination of oils and greases leaves a qualitatively perfect product, clean and ready to use.
So VCI replaces the old oiling systems, not very practical and more expensive.
An anti-corrosive packaging is obtained by simply integrating the traditional packaging.
Or you can wrap the product to be protected with a sheet or a bag of VCI paper or VCI plastic film.
In fact, it will be enough to reopen the packaging and the product will be immediately ready for use, without the need to clean it of oil or grease.
VCI leaves no traces and presents no risk.

VCI anti-corrosive papers are divided into two categories.
Double- sided anti-corrosive papers : the protection that works double
They have the characteristic of emanating protective substance from both sides.
It is therefore particularly suitable to act as an interposition between two layers of product to be protected.
It can also be used in packs that are enclosed by a further external packaging in order to prolong its efficiency and durability.
Politenate anti-corrosive papers : no despair, better protection
Made by applying a layer of polyethylene on the paper that prevents the dispersion of the protective substance sublimating on the outside.
In this way, the protective emanation is concentrated entirely towards the inside of the casing containing the product to be protected.

One convenient option is VCI paper envelopes : the quickest protection.
With the VCI anti-corrosive papers you can also make couplings and envelopes.
VCI paper bags are very useful for rapid anti-corrosion packaging of small and medium-sized products.
They can be made with two-sided or polycent VCI paper depending on the needs.


Given the comfort (I hate the oil !!), the cost ( just over € 10* ), and the durability ( 2-15 years** ) ... I decided to try.
I will make containers with VCI paper, very simple as those in the picture, and I will use them on my blades inside the knife holder (roll bag)
* https://www.ebay.com/itm/253384794962
** https://www.excor.com/fileadmin/exco...data-sheet.pdf

I've used VCI paper for a long time. My chisels and gouges stay wrapped in the stuff.
Pixelfixed first told me about VCI

Paper and emitters in use here.

If I buy a bundle of VCI paper, how do I keep the unused sheets from "emanating" before
I can use them all?

They have a fairly lengthy life span. The emitters I have here are five years from opening. I expect the papers are longer. When I bought a box of paper it was giant. I have given away a ton of it and still have a million sheets left.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Paper and emitters in use here.

Any particular emitters you recommend?

When reading this It says not to store anything containing more than 9% lead among other alloys.

Has anyone had trouble with lead wedges?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volati...sion_inhibitor

It also says "Care should also be taken with assemblies containing plastics". What about scales? Is it safe?

I have not had any plastic scale issues.
I just have the emitters from Lee Valley. I have different sizes for different places. Three in the display case. One in the safe and one in each gun cabinet.

Originally Posted by RezDog

They have a fairly lengthy life span. The emitters I have here are five years from opening. I expect the papers are longer. When I bought a box of paper it was giant. I have given away a ton of it and still have a million sheets left.

Well, now I'm in the same boat, Shaun. I just received (from Amazon) 1000 7"x7"
VCI sheets.

I know, I'll never use all that, but it was the smallest quantity available in that size.

So I guess I need to dispose of about 900 sheets before they over-emanate. yuk yuk