July/August 2023 - 39

PRODUCT FOCUS: CHEMICALS, SOLVENTS & LUBRICANTS
Corrosion
Prevention
by Rebecca Kanable
I
n the business of creating environmentally responsible
corrosion solutions since 1977, Cortec
Corporation pioneered a new generation of vapor
(phase) corrosion inhibitor (VCI) technology. The
technology was based primarily on amine carboxylates
as a safer alternative to earlier DICHANs widely
used by the military after WWII. Today Cortec continues
to look for more sustainable technologies to add
to its extensive corrosion protection product line, said
Technical Sales and Product Manager Eric Uutala.
Corrosion is caused when moisture and contaminants react
with metal surfaces. Looking specifically at VCI technology, its
ionic action creates a molecular layer that inhibits rust by keeping
out oxygen, moisture and other corrosive elements.
Trademarked under the name VpCI, Cortec VpCI products
come in multiple forms: packaging, " emitters, " films, liquid rust
preventives and more.
According to Cortec, the benefits of VpCI are:
* Multi-phase VpCls can be more economical than conventional
oil-based rust preventatives.
* Efficient application results in labor savings.
* VpCIs offer improved health, safety and pollution control
characteristics in many cases.
* There is usually no need to remove the VpCI protection layer,
eliminating extra processing steps.
* VpCI treatments virtually eliminate economic loss due to
rust, speckling, staining, and other forms of corrosion, cutting
rust claims and returns while improving product quality.
The company points out that many Cortec VpCls do not contain
chromates or other heavy metals, nitrites or chlorinated
hydrocarbons.
Corrosion can be a major problem for idle equipment and assets,
especially in the presence of moist, salt-laden air or fluctuating
humidity that forms condensation on electrical systems, rotating
equipment, hydraulics, bolts, valves and motors, for example. For
older aircraft, exposure to extreme moisture and harsh environments
increases the chance for corrosion.
Corrosion inhibiting packaging in the form of VCI film or VCI
paper allows metals to be stored or shipped in rust-free condition.
CORTEC CORPORATION
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cortec promoted the preservation
of commercial jets and helicopters and presented a buyer's
guide of VpCI products that could be used to wash external surfaces
of an aircraft, treat a fuel system, spray electronic systems
and articulating joints, and lubricate bearings, to name a few.
Cortec's website offers specific product model recommendations
and more details, but here are a few examples.
VCI-coated papers can be used to wrap aircraft parts. VCI
molecules in the paper coating vaporize and condense in a protective
molecular layer on the surfaces of metal enclosed inside
the VCI packaging paper. When components are removed from
the paper, the VCI molecules naturally float away from the metal,
leaving behind a dry and ready-to-use surface.
Heat sealable translucent plastic films can be used to protect
sizable aircraft components, and even shrink wrap entire jets
and helicopters. Depending on film thickness and application
conditions, VpCI Shrink Film can protect a wide variety of metals
from rust, tarnish, stains, white rust and oxidation for up to
5 years. VpCI-126 does not contain free amines, phosphates or
halogen-based materials. Cortec even has a program for eligible
recycling partners to send their used VpCI-126 Film back to Cortec
extrusion plants for reprocessing into new material.
VpCI Emitters, available in a variety of forms including pouches,
pieces of foam, tape and cups, allow VpCI molecules to be emitted
through a membrane (such as breathable Tyvek) and are ideal
for enclosed void spaces, such as packages, equipment internals
or structural metal cavities. Emitter cups, like the VpCI-105, are
designed to provide corrosion protection for metal components
and parts enclosed in non-ventilated cabinets or toolboxes up
to 5 cubic feet. VpCI Emitters are chosen based on the size of
the enclosure.
Cortec invites aircraft maintenance personnel to reach out for
assistance with specific corrosion problems, especially in the area
of preservation. Uutala said, " Cortec has extensive experience
with preservation of aviation equipment worldwide, from spare
parts to complete aircraft. We understand all the challenges in
this industry and are ready to help. "
www.AviationPros.com 39
http://www.AviationPros.com
July/August 2023

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