Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs) are chemical compounds having significant vapor pressures that allow vaporization of the molecules and subsequent adsorption of these on metallic surfaces. The advantage of these vapor phase corrosion inhibitors is that the vaporized molecules can reach hard-to-reach areas commonly found in electronic enclosures, between two metal flanges and similar other systems. In order to be used effectively, the VCIS must be compatible with the metals to be protected and the environment, be economical for the operation, be easily applied and must have the greatest desired effect in protecting the metallic surfaces from atmospheric corrosion. Several commercially available VCIS have been investigated on aluminum, steel and aluminum/steel (Al/steel) galvanic couple exposed to simulated marine environment using potentiodynamic elow scans. The inhibitor efficiencies calculated from electrochemical data are presented. The systems reach a steady state after 48 hours of exposure of the metal to VCI vapors. The most efficient VCIs were screened for toxicity before recommending them for selected ship-board application in the U. S. Navy.
Keywords: inhibitors, vapor phase corrosion inhibitors, volatile corrosion inhibitors, atmospheric corrosion, potentiodynamic scans