Abstract:
The present invention relates to a formula for an improved, volatile vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI), and methods for using the VCI. More particularly, it relates to a fluid composition, and applications for the fluid composition, that inhibits corrosion and tarnishing and that is relatively non-toxic.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Applicants&#39; invention relates to a formula for an improved, volatile vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI), and method for the use of same. More particularly, it relates to a fluid composition, and applications for the fluid composition, that inhibits corrosion and tarnishing and that is relatively non-toxic. 
         [0003]    Background Information 
         [0004]    Corrosion affects metal (as used herein, “metal” refers to both pure metals and metal alloys) adversely and is a serious problem for both public and private sectors. Corrosion can affect the usefulness of an object and cause the object to need to be repaired or replaced. Either consequence affects the user&#39;s time and cost. Consequently, there have been numerous attempts to find ways to combat corrosion. Two of the main avenues have been permanent coatings and temporary corrosion inhibitors. 
         [0005]    VCI are well known in the industry. They emit a vapor intended to fill an enclosed space and coat the metal surfaces of articles in the space to inhibit corrosion of the surfaces, and/or blend with moisture and oxygen in the space to neutralize the primary components (i.e., moisture and oxygen) that cause corrosion. 
         [0006]    Conventional corrosion inhibitors are chemical compounds that decrease the corrosion rate of metal. Generally, the corrosion inhibitor creates a layer or forms a coating on the metal surface that acts to reduce oxidation of the metal by reducing the contact, or access, that the oxidizing agent has to the metal surface. It should be noted that the term “corrosion inhibitor” is not intended to apply to permanent coatings or layers that are applied to the metal, but rather the corrosion inhibitor is placed in the atmosphere near or adjacent to the metal such that the corrosion inhibitor can migrate to and coat or adsorb the metal surface with an atomic or polyatomic layer. 
         [0007]    Common corrosion inhibitors designed to reduce oxidation-type corrosion are corrosion inhibiting chemicals including: sodium nitrite, chromates, silicates, borates, zinc compounds, phosphates of various types, azole compounds, and generally reductive inhibitors such as amines and hydrazines. Such corrosion inhibitors chemically can combine with oxygen to form other compounds so that the oxygen does not react with the metal, prevent the oxygen from interacting with the metal, or otherwise prevent or slow oxidative reactions. However, as chemical reactions continue to occur with oxygen, the corrosion inhibitor will eventually be depleted and the inhibition will be terminated. Or, in the case of oils that create a barrier, degrade and become ineffective over time. Thus, corrosion inhibitors tend to be temporary in nature. However, the corrosion inhibitor is continually released, can be reintroduced, into the metal&#39;s environment in order to maintain or reinstitute the anti-corrosive action. 
         [0008]    If the corrosion inhibitor is volatile, then it is of a type that is vaporized (or vaporizes) at normal temperatures so that it can travel through a confined space to coat the metal surface. The VCI vaporizes and carries, chemically or ionically bonded to the volatile molecule, the anti-corrosive agent. Thus, as the volatile compound vaporizes, the electrically charged reactant is carried with the volatile compound. If the VCI is in a relatively enclosed airspace that includes the metal surface to be protected, then the VCI will come to an equilibrium in the airspace and the metal surface will be “coated” with the corrosion inhibitor. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is an improved VCI using non-toxic compounds that is designed to protect all commonly used metals from rust, tarnish, and corrosion. The improved VCI, upon vaporization, inhibits surface corrosion caused by normal atmospheric oxygenation and reduction on metal surfaces. The improved VCI has a volatile compound, or carrier, derived from a plant or plants within the Amaryllidaceae or Fabaceae plant families and a corrosion inhibitor that may be based upon derived from a plant or plants within the Amaryllidaceae or Fabaceae plant families as well. 
         [0010]    The improved VCI is not a contact protectant nor a desiccant, rather it comes to an equilibrium in the limited atmosphere of the container and protects the interior of the container and its metallic contents against corrosion regardless of natural environmental conditions acting in the container. 
         [0011]    The composition of the improved VCI of the present invention is environmentally friendly, safe, nontoxic, and effective at reducing corrosion. It is derived from completely natural, organic sources. It is bio-degradable and can be recycled. It is anticipated that the emitting substrate may be recycled paper. With an application to an emitting substrate, an enclosed environment can be rendered safe from corrosion to a variety of metallic objects, such as firearms, tackle, tools, jewelry, parts, instruments, and electronic circuits. The emitting substrate can be customized with text and color graphics in order to enhance the visual appeal without affecting the efficacy of the improved VCI. 
         [0012]    The improved VCI impregnated emitting substrate is placed in a container with the items that are intended to be protected from corrosion. Upon closing the container with the items inside, the improved VCI volatizes or diffuses creating an atmosphere of bipolar ionic shielding atoms that adsorb onto all metal surfaces inside and out wherever air can reach, forming an invisible layer of protection on all metallic surfaces even in the smallest holes and intricacies that standard methods of rust prevention cannot reach. Once the chemistry is applied and the container closed no further attention is required until it is opened again. If the improved VCI is still at an adequate level on the emitting substrate, then after the container is reclosed, the levels of improved VCI will return to protective amounts in the enclosed atmosphere. Or, the improved VCI can be reapplied to the emitting substrate. 
         [0013]    When introduced into a contained atmosphere, the improved VCI coats all metals in an enclosed space with a molecular layer that inhibits corrosion and oxidation, however, when the improved VCI is used with an emitting substrate there is no discernible residue placed upon components near the substrate due to the dispersal of the improved VCI. The improved VCI is not a desiccant designed to absorb water, so it is not necessary to place a relatively large bag of desiccant in the container, nor continually re-dry the desiccant. 
         [0014]    The improved VCI is used to protect all metals and electronic parts from rust and corrosion during shipment, storage and use, and does not require special cleaning or treatment of the metal pieces to be protected before use. 
         [0015]    The improved VCI is intended to be employed in varying concentrations depending on the intended application. It is anticipated that the improved VCI will be deployed and used in a number of modalities, including but not limited to: 
         [0016]    1) the improved VCI may be applied to a substrate of paper during paper post manufacturing process, paper is then segmented and used as a metal corrosion inhibitor when placed with goods in a near hermetically sealed shipping and storage package; 
         [0017]    2) the improved VCI may be sprayed through semi-permeable membrane or porous layer to soak a thick, adhesive backed card or other substrate utilizing an improved VCI filled applicator container so as to replenish invention as directed, the applicator container is anticipated to be a spray bottle, liquid dropper, contact applicator, or the like; 
         [0018]    3) the improved VCI may be used as an additive mixture to fluids, solutions, or slurries such as concrete for the purpose of inhibiting corrosion of encased, submerged, emerging, or emerged metals; 
         [0019]    4) the improved VCI may be diffused into the atmosphere of the target metal requiring corrosion inhibition either directly via spray atomizer or via a combination of invention filled reservoir and diffuser device; 
         [0020]    5) the improved VCI may be added inside various instrument enclosures, including without limitation: a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine or the interior of boating electronic components. 
         [0021]    9) the improved VCI may be added to compatible cleansers that are used on metallic objects. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an enclosed environment illustrating the use of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a card as an embodiment of an emitting substrate. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a partial, perspective view of a card as an embodiment of an emitting substrate. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view spray bottle as an embodiment of an applicator container. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustrating how the improved VCI inhibits corrosion in a solid slurry such as concrete. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a diffuser bottle as an embodiment of an applicator container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    Referring to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates how the improved VCI  10  inhibits corrosion. The improved VCI  10  uses a volatile compound, or carrier, derived from a plant or plants within the Amaryllidaceae plant family to cause vaporization. Volatility is due generally to phenols in the compound. Natural phenols such as found in the Amaryllidaceae plant family, can chemically interact with many other substances in the form of stacking. “Stacking” refers to attractive, non-covalent interactions between aromatic rings. Thus, as the compound vaporizes, it can interact with, and take other molecules with anti-corrosive properties. These anti-corrosive properties are in the form of an ionic bond formed with oxygen molecules. As oxygen molecules are thus engaged, they are not available to cause oxidation, or corrosion of the metallic object. An emitting substrate  20 , which is loaded with the improved VCI  10  is placed in a container  100 . As used herein, “loaded” is intended to mean that some amount of the improved VCI  10  is contained on or in the emitting substrate  20 , thus the emitting substrate  20  may be impregnated, saturated, partially saturated, or otherwise hold the improved VCI  10 . Anti-corrosive ions (not shown) of the improved VCI  10  are carried into the gaseous phase with the carrier as a vapor. This vapor will come to an equilibrium that fills the interior  102  of the container  100 . It is anticipated that varying sizes of emitting substrates  20  and amounts of improved VCI  10  will be used in conjunction with varying volumes of container  100  interiors  102 . The vapor is intended to fill the interior  102  and coat the metal surfaces of articles  104  in the interior  102  to inhibit corrosion and oxidation. The improved VCI  10  inhibits corrosion of the surfaces  104 , and/or blend with moisture and oxygen in the interior  102  to neutralize the primary components (i.e., moisture and oxygen) that cause corrosion. 
         [0029]    The emitting substrate  20  inside a container  100  that has a hollow interior space  102 . Improved VCI  10  is loaded on the emitting substrate  20 . Over time, the improved VCI  10  vaporizes emitting improved VCI  10  ions (not shown) into the interior  102  of the container  100 . These ions (not shown) come to an equilibrium filling (if there is sufficient amount of improved VCI  10  loaded on the emitting substrate  20 ) the interior  102 . The ions (not shown) come in contact with a metallic object  104  in the interior  102 . A layer of the ions (not shown) coats the metallic object  104  which inhibits corrosion of the metallic object  104 . 
         [0030]    Dissolved, or vaporized, ions (not shown) from the improved VCI  10  in the emitting substrate  20  enter into a gaseous phase. Some of these ions (not shown) bond with the object  104 , and form an ionic layer on the object  104 . This layer on the metallic object  104  of the improved VCI  10  acts as an anti-corrosive. 
         [0031]    It is anticipated that the interior  102  may not be sealed from the outside environment. This may occur if the container  100  is temporarily opened, or if the container has apertures or is otherwise permeable to the outside environment. In these cases, objects  104  remaining in the container  100  after the container  100  is opened will be protected from corrosion if sufficient improved VCI  10  remains on the emitting substrate  20  such the corrosion inhibiting ion vapor again develops in the container  100  after it is closed. In the instance in which a container  100  has a more permanent aperture, then improved VCI  10  ions (not shown) will continually be dispersed into the atmosphere and lost to the outside environment. The improved VCI  10  will continue vaporizing from the emitting substrate  20 , so ions (not shown) will continue to protect the object  104  from oxidation until to many ions (not shown) are lost to the outside environment. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates a card which could be used as an emitting substrate  20 . In a first embodiment of use, the improved VCI is applied to a porous or fibrous emitting substrate  20 , not directly to the metal  104  meant to be protected. It is anticipated that the emitting substrate  20  may be a sheet of paper or cardstock. The improved VCI  10  is held in solution in an applicator container  30  such as a spray bottle. The emitting substrate  20  is coated on one (1) or both sides with the improved VCI  10 . It is anticipated that the improved VCI  10  will not absorb moisture like a desiccant. Rather, it  10  emits ions (not shown) into an enclosed environment  102 . Ions (not shown) fill the container with anti-corrosive protection, keeping even the smallest piece of metal  104  coated and corrosion free. There is no need to clean the object  104  prior to use. Emitting substrates  20  may be fibrous products, without limitation, such as paper, cloth sheets, wood pulp, fiberboard, or paperboard chips. 
         [0033]    The emitting substrate  20  could take the form of a printed paper. The printing will not affect the emitting substrate  20  and improved VCI  10  as a whole. Therefore, it is anticipated that marketing materials such as a business card could be printed, distributed with a spray bottle  30  filled with the improved VCI  10 . An advertiser would give the emitting substrate/marketing material  20  to a client/customer, or potential client/customer. Because the emitting substrate/marketing material  20  would be more useful than ordinary marketing materials, the client would be enticed to use the emitting substrate/marketing material  20  and spray bottle  30  in protecting some personal metallic object  104  and thus be repeatedly reminded of the advertiser. 
         [0034]    The card, emitting substrate  20  may have layers in order to more effectively act to diffuse the improved VCI  10 . The card, emitting substrate  20  may have a semi-permeable surface  20   a . It is anticipated that the semi-permeable surface  20   a  would be able to accept printing in order to provide users with options as to the appearance of the card, emitting substrate  20 . In order to maximize the amount of improved VCI  10  held by the card  20 , the card  20  may have an absorbent layer  20   b . If the card  20  were made from simply paper, the paper would act as the absorbent layer  20   b . However, in an improved card  20  the absorbent layer  20   b  would be made from porous material specifically chosen to act similarly to a sponge with pores and channels allowing the improved VCI  10  to be held. Although not necessary, it is also anticipated that the card  20  could include a non-permeable layer  20   c . The non-permeable layer  20   c  would direct vaporization of the improved VCI  10  directionally out through the semi-permeable layer  20   a . Another anticipated layer is an adhesive or magnetic layer  20   d . Such a layer could be used to attach the card  20  to a chosen position in the container  100 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates the layers that might be included in the card, emitting substrate  20 . In a second embodiment of use in which the improved VCI  10  is sprayed through semi-permeable membrane  20   a  to soak an emitting substrate  20 , where the emitting substrate  20  is adhesive backed  20   d . The adhesive could be used to place the emitting substrate  20  in a position strategically chosen to more efficiently deploy the improved VCI  10  ions (not shown) near an object  104  that a user wishes to protect from corrosion. The user may utilize an improved VCI  10  filled applicator container  30  so as to replenish the improved VCI  10  loaded on the emitting substrate  20 . The applicator container  30  is anticipated to be a spray bottle, liquid dropper, contact applicator, or the like. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows a spray bottle as an applicator container  30 . The spray bottle  30  is used to spray improved VCI  10  onto absorbent substrata. The improved VCI  10  could easily be contained and applied the other spray mechanism  32 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates a third embodiment of use in which the improved VCI  10  is used as an additive mixture to fluids, solutions, or slurries  106  such as concrete  106  for the purpose of inhibiting corrosion of encased, submerged, emerging, or emerged metals  108 . For example, rebar  108  is set in concrete  106  structures and used as a tension device in reinforced concrete  106  and masonry  106  structures, to strengthen and hold the concrete  106  in compression. Over time, the rebar  108  can corrode and lose strength. The improved VCI  10  in the concrete  106  acts to protect the rebar  108  from corrosion. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  illustrates a fourth embodiment of use in which the improved VCI  10  is diffused into the atmosphere  102  of the target metal  104  requiring corrosion inhibition either actively via a powered spray atomizer or passively via evaporation using a combination of an improved VCI  10  filled reservoir  50   a  and a diffuser  50   c . In this embodiment, a reservoir  50  of the improved VCI  10  is placed in a container  104 . It is desired that the improved VCI  10  be vaporized into the container  100  interior  102 . The reservoir  50  would hold the improved VCI  10  and attached diffuser adapter  50   b  and attached diffuser  50   c . The diffuser adapter  50   b  and diffuser  50   c  would allow the improved VCI  10  to pass through an vaporized into the atmosphere. A powered spray atomizer  50  acts to help vaporize the improved VCI  10  directly into the air. Using a reservoir  50  is useful when more of the improved VCI  10  is needed, such as for larger interiors  102  or for longer time periods of anti-corrosion protection. 
         [0039]    In a fifth embodiment of use, the improved VCI is added into an internal space of instrument and electronics enclosures, such as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine. CNC machines are widely used for product production. They include both tooling mechanisms and computer control mechanisms. By introducing the improved VCI  10  into the interior of the CNC, all metallic components are protected from corrosion. 
         [0040]    In a sixth embodiment of use, the improved VCI is added to the interior of boating electronic components. Because of the high humidity that components used in boats are forced to operate in, corrosion is a particular problem. The improved VCI  10  put in operative communication with the components can alleviate that problem. 
         [0041]    In an seventh embodiment of use, the improved VCI is added to the interior of electronic components. For example, the improved VCI  10  may be placed in the housing of a computer or computer system packaging. It is anticipated that there are numerous electronic systems into which the improved VCI  10  may be placed and put into operative communication with, in order to provide corrosion protection for metallic and other oxidative susceptible components. 
         [0042]    Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.