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Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs)

VCIs protect both accessible and inaccessible metal surfaces from attack by corrosion accelerating agents such as moisture, salt air, airborne acids and contaminants. They provide clean protection that produces no residue or aroma and has no effect upon the electrical or mechanical properties of the product.
Paper and polythene are the most commonly used format of VCI. The format applied will depend upon the metal type, product shape, duration of protection and whether the VCI will be required to protect from abrasion & shock damage as well as corrosion and the climatic conditions.

Desiccants

Products can go through many changes in climate during transportation. Temperature fluctuation can be a significant factor in the formation of condensation, leading to corrosion. Silica gel or activated clay desiccant sachets absorb moisture vapour and prevent condensation from forming.  Both remain dry, even when maximum capacity is reached.  Sachets can be branded and filled to a bespoke level, as required.

Container desiccant bags hold an absorbent mixture of specially formulated materials for use within sea, truck and air shipment containers. As the container moves through different temperature and humidity changes, desiccant granules detect this and work faster or slower to ensure that dew-point is never reached.

Barrier Foil

Barrier foil protects moisture-sensitive products from corrosion during transit and storage. It also protects products against damage from biological sources, ultraviolet light, acids, alkalis and odour transfer.

The foil, typically, comprises of 3 layers of material. The first is usually made of polyester or non-woven polyester that both waterproffs and adds strength to the foil. The second is an aluminium layer that acts as a barrier against water vapour transmission and gasses. The third is a polythene ply that enables the foil to be heat-sealed. Heavy-duty grades of foil often have a double layer of polythene for increased strength.

Barrier foil has a water vapour transmission rate which is 20 – 80 times lower than commercial polythene. Therefore, the amount of desiccant required in a packing process should be proportionally lower, thereby, saving on costs. Other savings can be made where, for example, a product is vacuum packed and the protective properties of the barrier foil enable the volume of material used for the outer packaging to be reduced.