To understand how volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) bags work, it’s helpful to know what causes corrosion in the first place. Corrosion is the process in which a metal is destroyed by a chemical reaction. The most common example of corrosion is the oxidation of iron in the presence of water and oxygen, otherwise known as rust. Most people know that rust will occur when iron comes in contact with liquid water, but it can also occur from contact with moisture in the air.
Many VCI bags are coated with compounds, inside and out, that act as a barrier between the metal and the corrosive substance, but many find these coatings less than ideal because of the residue they leave behind. At A-Pac Manufacturing, we integrate volatile corrosion inhibitors directly into molten polyethylene. The polyethylene is then fabricated into bags and films of various sizes. The end result is a product that emits anti-corrosive vapors that act as a barrier between the metal and corrosive substances. Because the anti-corrosive action of our bags is through vapor, customers never feel or see a coating on any of their products.
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of VCI bags because of their seemingly secondary role as product packaging, but their ability to keep metals in pristine condition while in storage or transit to their next destination is absolutely essential when a company needs to deliver a product that meets their customers’ exact specifications.
Please note that we do not make any claims as to the effectiveness of our VCI bags. While we do guarantee that the volatile corrosion inhibitors are added to the bags and in the correct amounts, it is up to the purchasers to verify that the bags work in their specific environment for their intended purpose.
As always, if you have any questions about VCI bags or anything else at all, feel free to send us an email or call us anytime at (800) 272-2634.