ZERUST® ICT®420 VCI Kraft Paper Rolls

VCI Paper, or Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor, paper emits VCI molecules that settle on metal surfaces and form an invisible layer that protects from rust and corrosion. VCI Paper protects by interrupting the electrochemical corrosion process caused by moisture, oxygen, and contaminants in the atmosphere.

ZERUST® ICT® VCI paper works best when metal parts are wrapped or layered with VCI paper and placed inside a fully enclosed poly bag, box, or container. Vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) are substances that slowly release a corrosion preventative compound into a sealed air space and actively prevent corrosion by forming strong bonds with a metal surface, promoting and maintaining the natural and healthy passive oxide layer on the metal. The VCI layer that forms is invisible, dry, and does not affect the physical properties or functionality of the metal in any way. The protected metal can be painted, treated, and/or used straight out of the ZERUST® VCI Paper without further cleaning.

For step-by-step instructions on How to Use VCI Paper, click on View Details below!

VCI Paper or Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor paper is a kraft packaging paper manufactured with added VCI chemistry. VCI molecules protect metals from corrosion by forming a thin, invisible layer on the surface. This layer inhibits the corrosion process caused by oxygen, water, and contaminants. Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor paper can be made in different sizes, weights, and inhibitor types. It can be ordered in rolls, pre-cut, and with custom printing. VCI paper is typically a kraft material but can be reinforced with a poly layer or scrim-like threads for additional protective properties.

Both VCI packaging products are useful, but one may be a better option depending on the application. VCI paper releases VCIs more rapidly than VCI film, but does not have as long of a service life. VCI film acts as a barrier to water vapor, whereas dry paper readily absorbs moisture. Other characteristics of the product needed could include formability, visibility of parts, and outer packaging used. The application should be oriented toward the goods to be protected and the details of the manufacturer’s packaging operations. A ZERUST®/EXCOR® representative can advise you on this.

ZERUST® VCI paper/plastic packaging does not affect the functionality of electronic circuitry, nor negatively react with non-metallic surfaces such as plastics, rubbers, or wood. However, since there are so many possible combinations of chemistries, materials, processes, and substrates, we always recommend contacting a ZERUST® account manager to validate the application. 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.

The component/part or volume needing protection must be completely enclosed by a ZERUST®/EXCOR® active material (VCI Poly/VCI Paper). If complete ZERUST®/EXCOR® packaging is being used, no additional VCI material is required. However, this also depends on the nature of the packed merchandise. If there are difficult-to-access areas, it is advisable to use additional ZERUST®/EXCOR® VCI Emitters and Diffusers to add additional protection.

Nitrates (NO₃ – one nitrogen and three oxygen molecules) are compounds that occur naturally in soil. Consequently, nitrates are also present naturally in root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, as well as leafy green vegetables. Nitrates are not generally harmful unless they are consumed in massive quantities. When we eat nitrates, they are converted into nitrites in our digestive system.

Nitrites are also compounds made up of nitrogen and oxygen, but instead of three oxygen molecules, they have only two (NO₂). Nitrite compounds combine with other elements like sodium and potassium to make sodium nitrite or potassium nitrite, which are used as preservatives and color fixatives in cured meats. Nitrites are particularly good at preventing botulism – an anaerobic form of bacteria that causes paralysis and death – which is why small amounts of sodium nitrite are required by law to be added to cured meats. Nitrites too, on their own and in moderation, are also generally not harmful.

Sodium nitrite, however, isn’t just a good food preservative, it’s also an excellent corrosion inhibitor. That’s why, when NTIC developed and commercialized the first-ever VCI rust preventative plastic packaging, the active chemical protection system was formulated using common food additives, including sodium nitrite. Conservative chemists generally do not recognize sodium nitrite itself as a vapor corrosion inhibitor because, on its own, it has a vapor pressure so low that it is almost immeasurable. When used in combination with other additives in proprietary ZERUST® formulations, sodium nitrite can be effective “VCI activated”. The ZERUST® VCI effectiveness has been proven in commercial and military applications worldwide, as well as scientifically by recognized standard test methods for vapor corrosion inhibitors used by U.S. and NATO military organizations.

Nitrites in VCI products are a commonly misunderstood safety concern because of the historic use of the specific compound, dicyclohexylamine nitrite (or dicyclohexylammonium nitrite). Sometimes referred to by the brand name “Dichan”, dicyclohexylamine nitrite is a vapor corrosion inhibitor that was first used in VCI paper production in the 1940’s. Later, in the 1970’s, toxicologists started to become aware that compounds using both amines and nitrites in combination could lead to the formation of “n-nitroso amines”, which are believed to be both carcinogenic and genotoxic. It is for this reason that VCI products produced in most advanced industrialized nations no longer use dicyclohexylamine nitrite. ZERUST® VCI packaging has never contained dicyclohexylamine nitrite and, furthermore, does not use amines of any kind because they are known to be skin and respiratory irritants.

There are many ways to prevent corrosion, including modifying the atmosphere by dehumidification, nitrogen purge, evacuation, etc., and creating a barrier on the metal surface to prevent the permeation of moisture. This barrier can be formed by liquid coatings, such as oil, or via packaging products that contain VCI or Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors. Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors work by diffusing corrosion inhibiting molecules from a source (packaging film or paper, for example) to metal surfaces. These molecules settle on metal surfaces and form a protective corrosion inhibiting layer that inhibits the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion to form.

ZERUST® combines the use of vapor corrosion inhibitors with material sciences and process management expertise to implement custom corrosion solutions for a customer or throughout an entire supply chain. We call this our ZERUST®/EXCOR® Integrated Corrosion Technologies or ICT®.