Guide to Export packaging, using Cortec VpCI integrated solutions.

This article is NOT an all encompassing guide to using Cortec VpCI products in protective or export packaging. It is only intended to give the reader a starting point towards understanding the principles of VpCI protection and a listing of SOME of the products that are commonly used in a VpCI integrated system. Many more products exist and we would be pleased to discuss your particular needs any time.


The Central Concept
True VpCI products emit vapours that will reach ALL areas within a “package”. They contain enough VpCI to volatilize within a short enough timeframe to reach equilibrium within the “package” and begin protection BEFORE environmental conditions can accelerate the corrosion electro-chemical process. Conditions such as humidity and temperature can bring on corrosion within hours, so it is important to choose VpCI products that are synergistic, and emit sufficient vapours rapidly, to provide surface protection on all areas of the packaged items, even within deep concealed and inaccessible (by direct eyesight or indirect reflected sight) void spaces.

Generally, RP (rust preventative) “oils” (whether oil or water based) depend on contact inhibitors, and if not creating a stable, complete coating, are ineffective due to gravity’s pull, or just less than perfect coverage. (Cortec temporary coatings are not of this type and contain true VpCIs.) Cortec VpCIs are able to penetrate to any surfaces that air can reach, which is difficult for oils to do without immersion tanks, and because the VpCI vapours are constantly replenished, even in the case of a imperfect or opened package, protection is continued.

The standard use of Cortec VpCI systems in export crating allows the user to benefit from the volatile properties of the VpCI compounds, use recyclable materials, eliminate use of oils, and deliver a dry, rust-free part to the customer, ready for use without degreasing.
Further, worker safety is enhanced, since slippery pallets and floors are eliminated.

The tailoring of a Cortec VpCI system to the length of time that preservation is needed is an important feature of the Cortec Integrated preservation system. Time periods can be as short as flash rust protection within the production environment (a few hours for example) to as long as 5-10 years for military rapid deployment storage. The choice of materials and their methods of application, are all critical to a best performing system. And more than anywhere else, when it comes to rust prevention, Cleanliness IS next to Godliness. VpCIs or not, a clean part is easier to protect than a dirty part. Use of Cortec VpCI multifunction cleaners helps make the good system better.

A belts and braces Cortec system provides basic protection from the outer envelope to rapid vapour formation by use of synergistic products such as fogging fluid, foam emitter pads or RP coatings. System designers can choose from a palette of choices including products for long-term protection, well into the service life of the goods, or short-term delivery cycle protection, or storage for what may seem like forever.


System components include:

VpCI-126 Blue extruded film: available as sheeting up to 30 ft wide, standard product packaging bags or as standard or custom Gaylord bags or covers. Also available as Shrink, stretch, antistatic, and with UV stabilizers, fire retardants etc, and as VpCI Ecoweave reinforced woven film.

VpCI-130 series foam (primarily VpCI-131 or VpCI-132 pads), as supplementary source of VpCIs to “boost” initial formation of VpCI rich atmosphere. (Required with VpCI Liner film, not always needed when CorPak EX is used as liner)

VpCI-100 series: Emitters for electrical enclosures, but also useful wherever a clearly identifiable (and removable) VpCI source is required.

CorPak Ex extruded high-density film or CorPak liner film as layering/interleaving film.
It is important to keep bare metals from contact with corrugated or wood blocking, as these are often sources of contamination or chemicals that can lead to rust. Both Cortec products will protect in these cases, CorPak EX offers additional volatile protection over that of the liner film.

VpCI-144/146 coated paper.

VpCI- RP products. We normally do not suggest the use of oil, as the above dry package elements are usually sufficient, however if one must, then VpCI-329 or VpCI-369 is usually all that’s needed. (Also available in water based formulations.) VpCI-377, when a suitable choice, will often be thin enough a film, that it would be unnecessary to remove it for further parts usage or processing.

VpCI-337 fogging liquid. This concentrating VpCI liquid can be fogged into a machine cavity or poly enclosure for a very low cost method of enriching the atmosphere with VpCI vapours. VpCI-307/309 powders are also often used in these applications.

With the great variety of VpCI products available, it is possible to construct many variations on the “VpCI envelope/VpCI booster” theme. Simple choices involve just replacing conventional wrap materials with VpCI materials and then adding emitter devices. More thought is needed for multi step preservation systems, such as VpCI fogging, using VpCI coatings (permanent or temporary), VpCI Wash/rinse products, liquid additives or even VpCI metalworking fluids during production. Usually these methods are impractical for single or small shipments and are best suited when integrated into the manufacturing process. Often too, the answer is in the fertile lab of Cortec Corporation, where new combinations and applications are always to be found.

Most of the products suggested above, along with specialty alternatives, are also used for long term storage, plant systems layup and mothballing. Call us for our special guide to plant mothballing and layup.

Numerous technical articles describing the basics of VpCI function and application are available at our website www.corrx.com or at the Cortec web site www.cortecvci.com.