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VCI Corrosion Control    

VCI for Electronics

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How VCI Works

Corrosion begins when an electrolyte (water, oxygen, humidity) is present on the surface of metal.  When this happens, electrons then flow from high energy areas of the metal to low energy areas, in a loop, through the electrolyte.  

Untreated Surface    Treated Surface

The corrosion process results in the formation of oxidation on the metal surface.  VCI's (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors) retard this reaction by passivating the surface and inhibiting or depressing the electrochemical mechanism that triggers oxidation (i.e. the current flow from anode to cathode).

Electrical current attempts to flow from the anode through the electrolyte into the cathode but cannot, because of the VCI's presence.  VCI molecules attach themselves to a metal surface to form an invisible, thin film, possibly only one molecule thick, to protect metal from attack.

VCI based products can work for several years to prevent corrosion from occurring on the metal surface.