VCI stands for Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors. This corrosion-inhibiting technology protects metal surfaces from rust and corrosion during storage, transportation, and long-term layup.
VCI technology works by releasing invisible corrosion-inhibiting vapors from materials such as VCI paper, film, bags, or emitters. These vapors disperse throughout a sealed enclosure, where they form a protective molecular layer. This layer prevents oxidation by interrupting the electrochemical corrosion process caused by moisture, oxygen, and airborne contaminants.
What is the VCI Meaning in Corrosion Protection?
The VCI meaning refers to a contact-free method of corrosion protection. Unlike oils, greases, or coatings, VCI products protect metal without applying physical barrier coatings to the metal surface.
Instead, VCI molecules migrate through the air and bond to exposed metal surfaces at a molecular level. As a result, they create a barrier that blocks corrosive elements while keeping parts clean, dry, and ready for immediate use.
How Does VCI Technology Work?
Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor Technology (VCI) relies on controlled vapor release within a sealed environment. Once activated, vapor corrosion inhibitors disperse throughout the enclosure and reach all exposed metal areas, including hard-to-access recesses and internal cavities.
Because the protective layer is molecular and invisible, it does not alter part dimensions or interfere with assembly. When the packaging is opened, the VCI molecules dissipate, leaving no residue and eliminating the need for cleaning or degreasing.
Looking for the right VCI solution for your metal parts?
Explore ZERUST® VCI packaging options designed to protect metal during storage, transport, and export.
Where are VCI Products Commonly Used?
Manufacturers use VCI products across manufacturing, industrial, and export applications to prevent metal corrosion. Common uses include:
- Packaging metal parts for shipment or export
- Protecting components during warehouse storage
- Preserving spare parts and tooling
- Preventing corrosion during work-in-process staging
VCI technology protects ferrous and non-ferrous metals and offers multimetal formulations designed to protect complex parts and assemblies made from different metal types.
Not sure which VCI product is right for your application?
Contact ZERUST® corrosion experts for help selecting the best VCI protection for your metals and environment.
Why is Understanding What VCI Stands for Important?
Knowing what VCI stands for helps manufacturers choose the right corrosion protection strategy. By understanding the VCI meaning, users can recognize why vapor-phase protection offers advantages over traditional rust preventatives, especially for complex parts, multimetal assemblies, and clean manufacturing environments.
ICT®510-C VCI Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against rust and corrosion damage for metal assets in shipping and storage. Additionally, it’s available in ferrous, non-ferrous, and multimetal formulations, as well as various-sized rolls, sheets, tubing, and bags.
ICT®420 is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper that merges the practicality and cost-efficiency of paper-based packaging with advanced corrosion protection. Consequently, it streamlines the preservation of metals during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®420-35P VCI Poly Kraft Paper is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive kraft paper coated with a one-mil thick ZERUST® ICT® polyethylene layer containing Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs). As a result, providing the kraft paper with increased tear and moisture resistance, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for the corrosion protection of ferrous metals during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®430-35SR VCI Scrim Paper is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper that’s scrim-reinforced (3/4 mil polyethylene layer and fiberglass scrim). As a result, providing effective corrosion protection with the convenience and affordability of a paper wrapping product with superior strength that avoids ripping and tearing during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®427 is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive premium VCI paper formulated to provide robust corrosion protection for demanding situations—such as high humidity and challenging metal parts during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®432-35P is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper coated with a 3/4 mil plain polyethylene layer. As a result, providing the kraft paper with increased tear and moisture resistance, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for the corrosion protection of multiple metal types during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®510-C Ferrous VCI Film provides cost-effective and targeted protection against rust damage for ferrous metals, such as steel, iron, and cast iron in shipping, storage, and work-in-progress.
ICT®510-C VCI Multimetal Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against rust and corrosion damage for ferrous and non-ferrous metals in shipping, storage, and work-in-progress.
ICT®510-C Non-ferrous VCI Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against corrosion damage for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, brass, and bronze, in shipping, storage, and work-in-progress.
Vapor Capsules are portable VCI emitter diffusers containing proven ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI). They protect metals in hard-to-reach areas of control panels, electrical cabinets, or other enclosed spaces from corrosion, even when they are in operation. Additionally, use these VCI emitter diffusers as a supplement to other ZERUST® VCI packaging products for added protection.
ActivPak® is a versatile and powerful fast-acting VCI sachet designed to address flash rust and corrosion concerns in demanding scenarios, including overseas shipping and polluted factory environments.
ActivPak®(LS) Flash Corrosion VCI Emitters offer fast-acting corrosion protection in challenging conditions, such as factories, marine environments, waste treatment facilities, and power plants.
