Understanding Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors: How they Protect Metals

Volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) are a class of highly effective corrosion inhibitors that work by emitting low molecular weight vapors that permeate and protect metal surfaces. These vapors are volatile in nature, which means they evaporate quickly, leaving a protective layer on the metal surfaces. The layer of protection is highly effective in preventing corrosion, making VCIs an ideal solution for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.  In this article, we will take a detailed look at how VCIs work, the benefits they offer, and the various applications where they are commonly used.

How VCIs Work

VCIs work by emitting low molecular weight vapors that permeate the metal surfaces and form a thin, protective film. The film is highly effective in preventing the formation of corrosion-causing agents, such as rust and oxidation, on the metal surface. The volatile nature of the VCIs ensures that the protective film is constantly refreshed, providing long-lasting protection against corrosion.

VCIs are highly effective in preventing corrosion because they react with the metal surfaces and create a thin, protective film. The film is highly effective in preventing the formation of corrosion-causing agents, such as rust and oxidation, on the metal surface.

VCIs are available in various forms, including liquids, sprays, and vapors. The most common form is a vapor form, which is highly effective in protecting large areas of metal surfaces.

Benefits of Using VCIs

VCIs offer numerous benefits over traditional corrosion inhibitors, including:

  1. Long-lasting protection: VCIs provide long-lasting protection against corrosion, making them ideal for use in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
  2. Easy to use: VCIs are easy to use and do not require any special skills or equipment. Simply spray the VCI solution on the metal surface and let it dry.
  3. Cost-effective: VCIs are a cost-effective solution for preventing corrosion. They are less expensive than traditional corrosion inhibitors and do not require frequent reapplication.
  4. Environmentally friendly: VCIs are environmentally friendly and do not contain any harmful chemicals. They are safe to use and do not pose any risk to the environment.
  5. Versatile: VCIs can be used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including packaging, storage, and transportation of metal products.

Applications of VCIs

VCIs are commonly used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including:

  1. Packaging: VCIs are commonly used in the packaging of metal products to prevent corrosion during storage and transportation.
  2. Storage: VCIs are used in the storage of metal products to prevent corrosion during long-term storage.
  3. Transportation: VCIs are used in the transportation of metal products to prevent corrosion during transit.
  4. Manufacturing: VCIs are used in the manufacturing of metal products to prevent corrosion during the manufacturing process.
  5. Aerospace: VCIs are used in the aerospace industry to prevent corrosion on aircraft and aerospace components.
  6. Marine: VCIs are used in the marine industry to prevent corrosion on boats, ships, and other marine structures.
  7. Construction: VCIs are used in the construction industry to prevent corrosion on metal structures, such as bridges and buildings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VCIs are a highly effective solution for preventing corrosion on metal surfaces. They offer numerous benefits over traditional corrosion inhibitors, including long-lasting protection, easy use, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors

Volatile corrosion inhibitors were originally developed for protection of ferrous metals in tropical environments, an approach that soon proved limiting because of incompatibility with nonferrous metals. Recent developments are based on the synthesis of compounds that provide satisfactory “general” protection, i.e., they protect most commonly used ferrous and nonferrous metals and alloys. Investigations of electrochemical behavior show that these compounds belong to family of mixed or “ambiodic” inhibitors capable of slowing both cathodic and anodic corrosion processes. Active ingredients in VCIs are usually products of reaction between a volatile amine or amine derivative and organic acid. The product obtained as a result of this reaction, ‘aminocarboxilates’ are the most commonly used VCIs. Cyclohexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, guanidine, aminoalcohols, and other primary, secondary & tertiary amine salts represent the chemical nature of VCIs. VCI compounds, although ionized in water, undergo a substantial hydrolysis that is relatively independent of concentration. This independence contributes to the stability of the film under a variety of conditions. The absorbed film of the VCI on the metal surface causes a repulsion of water molecules away from the surface. This film also provides a diffusion barrier for oxygen, decreasing the oxygen concentration, and thus reduction of the cathodic reaction. Strong inhibition of the anodic reaction results from the inhibitor’s having two acceptor-donor adsorption centers that form a chemical bond between the metal and the inhibitor. Adsorption of these compound changes the energy state of metallic surface, leading to rapid passivation that diminishes the tendency of metal to ionize and dissolve. In addition to preventing general attack on ferrous and nonferrous metals, mixed VCIs are found to be effective in preventing galvanic corrosion of coupled metals, pitting attack and, in some cases hydrogen embrittlement