How It Works
How VCI Chemistry Works:
Metal corrosion begins when an electrolyte such as water, oxygen, or humidity is present on a metal surface. When this occurs, electrons are able to flow from high-energy areas of the metal to low-energy areas in a loop through the present electrolyte. Due to this corrosion process, the formation of oxidation of the metal surface then occurs. VCI molecules protect metal from rust by not allowing this process to occur which is done by coating the metal surface and essentially blocking the electrochemical mechanism that triggers oxidation. Electrical current attempts to flow from the anode through the electrolyte into the cathode however, it is prevented by the VCI molecules presence. VCI molecules are drawn to any metal surface that oxygen molecules can reach to form an invisible mono-molecular layer that protects the metal surface from corrosive attack.
How Arms Preservation VCI Storage Bags work:
Arms Preservation Anti Corrosion Storage Bags utilize a combination of Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) materials and carefully chosen barrier packaging materials to completely prevent any metallic item's corrosion. The materials that Arms Preservation Storage Bags are manufactured with are carefully selected materials that conjointly yield anti-corrosion properties supported by a transparent flexible barrier layer.
This unique combination of anti corrosion & flexible barrier materials is puncture-resistant, tear-resistant, non-abrasive, non-toxic, and is safe for all metal surfaces. However, the most important corrosion preventative features of the Arms Preservation Storage Bags are its VCI impregnated internal layer and th flexible exterior barrier layer.
The VCI impregnated internal layer is home to the anti-corrosive properties that are emitted. The VCI chemistry impregnated in the interior layer is drawn from the material by the presence of metal which then forms an invisible gas inside of the bag. This gas is made up of singular VCI molecules that are then attracted to the interior and exterior metal surfaces of the item being stored. These molecules coat all metal surfaces with a one molecule thick layer of VCI chemistry that prevents corrosion before it can begin. This rust prohibiting layer of VCI chemistry easily dissipates off of the item with no cleaning necessary once it is removed from the bag.
Flexible barrier packaging materials have been utilized in moisture and corrosion critical packaging applications for decades and are proven as the most effective option for blocking the transfer of gasses and water vapor through flexible materials. The exterior barrier layer in Arms Preservation Storage Bags performs two tasks; it blocks harmful corrosion causing elements from entering the bag by passing through the various materials while also securing the corrosion inhibiting VCI chemistry inside the bag. This allows for longer protection than any other similar product on the market.
The limiting factor on how long an Arms Preservation Storage Bag will provide rust protection is how long the bag is able to keep the VCI chemistry locked in. Since our chosen barrier layer does not let any VCI chemistry permeate it, the only way for VCI's to escape is when the bag is opened and closed. Bags that are repeatedly opened and closed will maintain their protective qualities for approximately 5 years. Bags that are not opened frequently can maintain their protective qualities for many years beyond that.