ZERUST ICT Plastabs® VCI Corrosion Inhibitor Tabs

ZERUST® ICT® Plastabs® are precision-engineered Vapor Corrosion Inhibiting (VCI) emitter tabs manufactured from thin, lightweight, rigid polyethylene. Developed by ZERUST®/EXCOR®, a global leader in corrosion prevention technology, Plastabs® deliver reliable, long-term protection for ferrous and non-ferrous metal components without the need for oils, greases, or direct surface contact.

How VCI Technology Works

Vapor Corrosion Inhibiting (VCI) technology works by releasing a controlled concentration of corrosion-inhibiting molecules into the surrounding air. These molecules migrate to and adsorb onto exposed metal surfaces, forming an invisible, monomolecular protective layer that interrupts the electrochemical reactions responsible for rust and oxidation. When the protected item is removed from the packaging or storage environment, the VCI layer dissipates cleanly — leaving metal surfaces ready for use with no residue or cleaning required.

Key Applications

ZERUST® ICT® Plastabs® are suited to a wide range of industrial storage and transit scenarios:

• Long-term warehouse storage of machined metal parts, castings, and assemblies
• In-transit corrosion protection for exported or imported metal components
• Packaging inserts for tooling, spare parts, and precision instruments
• Protection of automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment components
• Electronics and electrical component protection in enclosed packaging

How to Use

Plastabs® are designed for simple, tool-free deployment. Place one or more tabs inside the packaging, container, or enclosed storage space near the metal parts to be protected. No direct contact with the metal surface is required — the VCI vapor diffuses throughout the enclosed space to provide complete coverage. For best results:

1. Select the appropriate number of tabs based on the volume of the enclosed space and the surface area of the metal components.
2. Place tabs inside the packaging or container before sealing — they can be taped, tied, or simply laid adjacent to the parts.
3. Seal the enclosure to maintain VCI vapor concentration for maximum protection effectiveness.
4. Upon unpacking, simply remove the tabs — no cleaning, degreasing, or surface treatment of the metal is needed.

Designed for Gulf & Middle East Industrial Environments

The Gulf and Middle East region presents some of the most demanding corrosion challenges in the world. Extreme ambient temperatures, high relative humidity in coastal areas, and salt-laden air from the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea dramatically accelerate the corrosion of unprotected metal surfaces. ZERUST® ICT® Plastabs® are formulated to perform reliably under these conditions, providing consistent VCI vapor emission across a wide operating temperature range. They are an ideal solution for manufacturers, distributors, and logistics operators storing or shipping metal goods throughout the GCC and wider MENA region.

Safety & Compliance

ZERUST® VCI products are formulated to be safe for use with personnel and equipment. The VCI compounds used in Plastabs® are non-toxic, non-hazardous, and do not contain nitrites or other restricted substances. The polyethylene tab substrate is inert and does not react with packaged goods. Always refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full handling, storage, and disposal guidance.