Zerust Integrated Corrosion Technology (ICT®) products and services include volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) and other inhibitors and surface treatments. Zerust VCI packaging films and paper are safe* to use and contain proprietary chemical formulations that release an invisible, odorless, and corrosion inhibiting vapor into the air. The Zerust volatile corrosion inhibitor molecules settle on exposed metal surfaces in an enclosure and interrupt the electrochemical process that causes corrosion. Other Zerust ICT products augment the protection power of VCI technology to solve specific corrosion and surface preservation problems.

Illustration of a Zerust/Excor Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor Packaging System

VCI is an abbreviation for Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor or Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor. VCIs are molecules that inhibit corrosion by forming a thin, protective layer on a metal surface within an enclosed space. This invisible layer prevents moisture and environmental elements from reacting with the metal surface and causing corrosion. The molecules dissipate when the enclosure is opened and do not need to be removed.

We are committed to making safe and effective products that reduce industry’s impact on the environment. Zerust/Excor products are approved by many major companies’ toxicology, engineering and packaging departments and comply with health and safety regulations around the globe including the following:

• REACH Regulation Compliant (EC No 1907/2006)
• European RoHS Directive Compliant
• Do not contain SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern)
• Labelled in accordance with GHS (Globally Harmonized System) and are compliant under UN GHS, EU CLP, US OSHA HazCom and CA WHMIS

Zerust is a business unit of Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ:NTIC), Headquartered in Minnesota, USA. The management system of Zerust products is ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Zerust® VCI Packaging Film

Zerust® VCI Kraft Paper

Zerust® Corrosion Inhibitor Liquids & Additives

Zerust® Rust Removers & Cleaners

Zerust® Vapor Capsules & VCI Diffusers Series

Rust Preventive Aerosol (MRO)

Zerust® Precious Metal Protection

Zerust® Comprehensive Packaging Solution

Zerust carries and produces a wide range of corrosion inhibiting films, kraft papers, VCI bags, and VCI sheeting technologies. Zerust film and sheeting products come in various thicknesses, strength enhancements, protection types, colors, shapes and sizes. Your customer service representative can help recommend the ideal packaging solution for your application needs. The list below includes stock and non-stock options. Most products can be made in a range of metal protection types upon request.

Targeted void space protection with Zerust corrosion inhibitors.

Axxatec 8110C is an aqueous-based additive for the protection of water-filled void spaces of hydraulic and coolant equipment.

Axxanol 700 Series are liquid concentrates with VCIs for adding to oils to protect void spaces.

AxxaVis PX-05-AN is a powder, that when added to rinse water, enables it to neutralize acids. Use to control flash corrosion on metals caused by acids left over from cleaning and rust removal treatments as Zerust AxxaClean™.

On left; submerged in untreated water (60 ppm Cl-, 300 ppm CaCO3), on right, submerged in AxxaVis HST10 treated water.

AxxaVis PX-10-HRD is a powder additive that conditions hard water to prevent scale and scum when deionized water is not available. It increases the performance of Zerust products that require dilution, such as Axxatec and AxxaWash™ concentrates.

AxxaVis HST-10 is a powder additive to treat hard water and deactivate chlorides. Add product to tap water to make it suitable for hydrostatic test processes conducted on pressure vessels such as pipes, heat exchangers, storage tanks and ship voids.

Zerust® offers a full line of corrosion inhibitor liquids that complement our VCI packaging solutions.

Zerust RPs and coatings range from effective aqueous-based solutions to greases designed to give standalone protection.

Zerust 620-RR is a pH neutral immersion dip that removes rust, even in crevices, pits and threads. It replaces labor-intensive abrasive cleaning that may damage surfaces. The product works by breaking the chemical bond of rust and does not harm other metals or nonmetals. Surfaces may be darkened with carbon residue after cleaning. Cleaned parts must be protected to prevent flash rusting.

These are a series of easy to use products that rapidly remove rust and tarnish, even in cracks and crevices. They clean and deoxidize ferrous metals, brass, copper and various alloys without leaving a gray residue. The products also provide temporary protection from flash rust or re-tarnishing for several days in a controlled environment. Multiple viscosities and strengths are available for a wide range of applications.

The Zerust line of advanced surface cleaners remove residual contaminants and soils left by metalworking processes. Use as a final wash step to control corrosion on contaminated or highly reactive metals. After cleaning, thoroughly dry metals before the application of Zerust corrosion inhibiting coatings and VCI packaging products.

Panel on left cleaned with tap water, panel on right cleaned in a solution of AxxaClean HPW-100.

AxxaClean HPW-100C high-pressure wash additive prevents flash corrosion after cleaning processes by providing powerful deactivation of ionic contaminants, such as highly corrosive chlorides and sulfates on metal surfaces. It is non-foaming and can be applied by immersion, high-pressure or ultra high-pressure wash.

AxxaWash NW-10C wash additive deactivates corrosion causing ionic contaminants such as chlorides left by metalworking fluids. It also degreases and removes hydrocarbon soils. It can be applied by immersion, high-pressure or ultra high-pressure wash. AxxaWash NW-10 is recommended for use on highly reactive ferrous metals such as cast iron exposed to inorganic salts and other contaminants.

Products with or without adhesive may need to be secured with a cable tie. Particularly when vibration, cold or surface contaminants may cause the adhesive to be ineffective over time.

Zerust® Activ™ series products combine a fast-acting volatile Flash Corrosion Inhibitor (FCI™) with a Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) to protect ferrous and aluminum metals in enclosed spaces. This combination goes to work in minutes to protect against both flash rust and provide long-term corrosion protection with its progressive VCI chemistry. Use Activ series products to protect equipment and assets in corrosive and contaminated environments.

The Activ series technology is available in different product offerings optimized to protect in a range of applications and void sizes. Do not place in direct contact with copper, brass or zinc and test before use in the same void space.

Zerust ActivPak®

Zerust ActivPak® offers advanced corrosion protection in a convenient and secure packet format

Acid Gas Test Results

Left to right, Competitor 1 VCI, Zerust Activ protection, and Competitor 2 VCI.

Zerust ActivTab(LS)

Zerust ActivTab(LS) offers advanced corrosion protection in a tablet size for small areas.

Zerust ActivCapsule

Zerust ActivCapsule provides Activ(LS) technology in small and hard to reach spaces.

Zerust ActivTab(LS)

Zerust ActivPowder protects large void spaces in challenging environments

Zerust VCI Foam Pad.

Zerust ICT® Open Cell VCI Foam Pad

Zerust ICT Open Cell VCI Foam Pads provide superior corrosion protection to ferrous metals and are compatible with non-ferrous metals. They contain a high saturation of proprietary Zerust VCI technology and are nitrite and chromate free. The foam pads effectively reduce corrosion even on lightly contaminated metals. Open cell foam pads provide VCI protection in plain packaging or can be used as additional targeted protection in VCI packaging.

Length of Tube Strip for ferrous protection.

Zerust Tube Strip and Pipe Strip

Zerust Tube Strip and Pipe Strip products are designed to protect long narrow enclosures. Tube Strip is a flexible quarter-inch plastic tubing designed to protect tubes up to 2 inches in diameter such as gun and rifle barrels. Pipe-Strip consists of Vapor Capsules assembled on a 40 foot plastic strip and is designed to protect pipes up to 24 inches in diameter.

The products are easy to use and can be trimmed to accommodate many length tubes or pipes. To use, insert product into the length of the enclosure and cap the ends. They emit VCI molecules that saturates the air, protecting interior surfaces from corrosion.

Tube Strip inserted in a handgun barrel

Coverage Specifications - Ferrous Metal Protection

A section of Pipe Strip

Coverage Specifications - Multimetal Protection

Illustration of a Pipe Strip protecting a large pipe.

Zerust Plastabs are thin, light and rigid polyethylene squares. Their small shape makes Plastabs perfect for protecting critical surfaces within narrow or hard-to-reach areas in enclosures. Some Plastabs include peel-adhesive backing and can be affixed to most surfaces, or Plastabs can simply be dispersed throughout packages of metal parts.

Use Plastabs as a supplement to other Zerust packaging products, or use them alone for protection in tightly restricted spaces. They are ideal for protecting electrical components in small sections of enclosed cabinets or control boxes.

Coverage Specifications - Multi-metal Protection

Note: 1 x 3 inch Plastabs have printing. See photo on right.

1” x 3” Plastab in an electronics enclosure.

Zerust Cor-Tab® Tablets

Zerust Cor-Tab tablets provide basic corrosion protection for metal items in small and hard-to-reach enclosed areas. Simply place or sprinkle Cor-Tabs in the area you would like to protect and ensure airflow is restricted to the enclosure. Use CorTabs to protect metal items such as electronic instruments, computer parts, small metal parts, and tools for up to six months in an enclosure or package.

Coverage Specifications - Multimetal Protection

ZERUST®/EXCOR® ICT®510C-AN VCI packaging film series are nitrite-free and non-amine formulated products. They are ideal for the protection of metals in corrosive environments or for metal types susceptible to flash corrosion. Difficultto-protect surfaces such as cast iron, powdered metal, and machined metal parts benefit from this strong and fast-acting inhibitor. In addition, the product is able to passivate typical levels of corrosion causing-contaminants left on part surfaces from metalworking processes such, as chlorides, nitrates, and sulfides.

ZERUST® ICT®510C-AN series offer product formulations for specific applications. Reference the product series chart below. For additional protection, the packaging may be used with ZERUST® corrosion inhibitor liquid RPs and VCI diffuser products. Check with your ZERUST®/EXCOR® representative for a comprehensive corrosion management solution most effective for your metal assets.

Product Information

EXCOR VCI crepe paper ABRIGO is a crepe paper impregnated with VCI corrosion protection, which reliably protects metal parts from corrosion during transport and storage. The metal processing industry uses VCI crepe paper especially for packaging parts with irregular shapes. The good stretchability of crepe paper allows it to adapt to the contours of the packaged goods and it does not tear.

Due to the crepe structure, the VCI crepe packaging also acts as a source of cushioning protection. To achieve an outer barrier layer, VCI crepe papers can also be coated with polyethylene. For our crepe papers ABRIGO, we process base papers from 30–200 g/m² – the elongation can be adjusted from 5–200%. VCI crepe papers ABRIGO are available in rolls or as blanks.

Typical Applications :

• Metal parts with irregular shapes
• Intermediate layer
• Wrapping of packaged goods
• Impact protection