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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Theory and application of VCI (paper and film)

2003

Sir,

I have listed my questions below. As I am a novice in this field, I look up to you for some education on VCI. My questions are those coming from a layman in this subject (VCI). I request your patience and co-operation for your answers. What's VCI? Is it a new technology? Where did it originate? What's the difference between VCI Paper and VCI Film; Where to use film and where to use paper?

I want to know some theory about VCI (Film & paper), like composition,application,properties,specifications,etc.

Also I would like to know which are the parameters based on which VCI paper/film between two manufacturers are compared.

I would also like to know what are the various applications of VCI Paper/Film (Industrial segment-wise), what should be the criteria/parameters for considering VCI application.

Is VCI FDA approved? Any application where VCI should not be used, even though it may be technically perfect. I mean is it ok to use VCI in hazardous chemical, inflammable atmosphere,etc.

Is VCI eco-friendly? How does users dispose VCI? Is it easily disposable?

I am basically a Mechanical Engineer but interested in developing VCI applications, as I come from a Steel background. Also I would be grateful to you if you could advise me any website where I can get some theory about VCI. I look forward to your reply.

Thanks & Regards,

Kunal Banerjee
Student - Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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Hello Mr. Bannerjee!

A simple Google search on "vapor corrosion inhibitor" gave a number of commercial sites of suppliers of these products, along with their biased literature attesting to the value of their products and the theory of operation. Many of your answers can be found there, or by contacting these folks. Of course you realize they have a vested interest, so if it is sufficiently important to you, you'll chat with their competitors as well.

As a user, I'll say we've found the VCI products to be useful in selected applications (storage and shipment). If there is a film deposited on the parts by VCI products, it doesn't cause us a problem when say, we heat treat parts in a vacuum furnace without additional prior cleaning.

Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York
2003