Anti-corrosion polymer films used from 0 to 6 years were investigated to determine the type
and content of volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCI) and how long the films emit them to protect
the metal surface encased in the film. Using FTIR and DSC low density polyethylene
(LDPE) was identified as the polymer carrier. Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE)
spectroscopy of anti-corrosion polymer films revealed significant concentration of
molybdenum (Mo) implying that corrosion inhibitor composition was molybdate based. The
films were divided into three groups according to different rates of VCI concentration
decreasing with increasing age. The division of films into groups and diffusion of VCI was
confirmed by significant decrease of Mo content determined by PIXE spectroscopy after
accelerated aging in vacuum at 50 º C. It was concluded that films with initial concentration
of Mo above 6000 ppm emit VCI for at least 6 years while the films with less than 4000 ppm
of molybdenum do not emit the VCI in ambient conditions.