ZERUST®/EXCOR®/GARDAC® Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI)
The protective molecular layer ZERUST®/EXCOR®/GARDAC® VCI forms on metal surfaces inhibits corrosion in three ways:
Corrosion and Its Prevention
The corrosion process begins when the moisture in the air is deposited on the metal surface. This moisture acts as a conductor enabling the flow of electrons between high-energy areas (cathodes) and low-energy areas (anodes) of the metal surface. This electrochemical process then results in the visible oxidation called tarnish, corrosion or rust.
The ZERUST®/EXCOR®/GARDAC® packaging materials contain proprietary chemical formulations that release an invisible, odorless, and non-toxic corrosion inhibiting vapor into the air. The vapor molecules settle on exposed metal surfaces in an enclosure and interrupt the electrochemical corrosion process.
Later, when the parts are removed from the packaging, the corrosion inhibiting molecular layer immediately dissipates into the atmosphere. This leaves behind clean, dry and corrosion free metals that are ready for immediate use and require no further cleaning or handling.