What are the advantages of INTERCEPT compared to conventional corrosion protection - methods?
- No time-consuming oiling and de-oiling
- Free of outgassing chemicals (nitrite, phenols, etc.)
- High efficiency (from -35°C to +80°C)
- Allows larger distances between INTERCEPT material and packaged goods
- Suitable for long-term storage under extreme conditions (> 10 years)
- Multi-material: Protects all ferrous and non-ferrous metals, electronic and optical components, and plastics
- Environmentally friendly: RoHS, TRGS 615 and TRGS 900 compliant, recyclable and easy to dispose of
How does INTERCEPT work?
INTERCEPT consists of highly porous copper particles which are permanently chemically cross-linked in a plastic composite. These react and permanently bind the corrosive gases. This creates a neutralizing atmosphere around the packaged goods and protects all materials stored in it effectively from atmospheric corrosion and aging (impurities on the surface can still react). The neutralizing effect and reaction with existing corrosive gases takes place in a very short time (< 1h). Even humidity migrating through the packaging is freed from the corrosive elements and will no longer lead to corrosion.
Is it possible to see when the material is saturated?
In the case of our CI products, an indicator function occurs as soon as the material is saturated. Especially with our PU foam, saturation can be seen as soon as the material takes on a patina green color. However, this process usually takes several years and progresses less quickly under our climatic conditions.
Is corrosion protection with INTERCEPT without any health risks?
Yes, our technology does not result in any outgassing of chemical substances. Therefore, no special protective measures are necessary during packaging and unpacking. Due to the permanent cross-linking of the highly porous copper particles in a plastic composite, there is also no release of copper particles.
How long does the effect of INTERCEPT stay?
INTERCEPT is used for storage of up to 15 years. Depending on the region, material, requirements and storage conditions, specific products from the INTERCEPT range are selected for this purpose. The warranties given for each product are based on capacities of the materials and are valid for all regions worldwide.
Will the effect get lost as soon as the packaged goods are opened?
No. An opening of the packaging to view the packaged goods has no influence whatsoever on the corrosion-protective effect of INTERCEPT. The effect is only interrupted for the time of opening and is always restored after closing. If necessary, the desiccant must be replaced after opening.
Do all INTERCEPT products protect against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)?
No: The Static INTERCEPT® and R.I.B.S.™ product lines are ANSI/ESD S541 compliant; ANSI/ESD S20-20. R.I.B.S.™ MVTR and R.I.B.S. MVTR Ultra also provide shielding and protect against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Even all other INTERCEPT products cannot build up electrical charge due to the design of the products. INTERCEPT combines corrosion protection and ESD protection.
Can INTRERCEPT be recycled and disposed of carefree?
Yes. INTERCEPT complies with all national and international recycling regulations for colored and dyed plastic products. All products can be disposed of without any problems according to the European Waste Code. The individual waste codes are stored in the technical documentation and are verified annually by an independent chemical laboratory.
INTERCEPT contains copper. Will this lead to galvanic reactions in direct contact with other metals?
No. Due to the permanent integration of the individual particles, a unique polymer matrix of the products, galvanic reactions are prevented even in direct contact. Even highly polished surfaces in direct contact with the products do not cause any reaction.
Of course, this can be proven by suitable measurements.
Can I use INTERCEPT in a clean room?
Yes. Our products are free of chemical outgassing and do not emit cations or anions. Even stringent cleanliness requirements for space flight are met by INTERCEPT. The products can be manufactured according to the respective specifications and are therefore also suitable for storage of "Class 0" products, meet "CCC" and "RR 100".
Only the Intercept CI foam, can release particles under mechanical load.
Can INTERCEPT be used multiple times?
Yes. One of the main advantages of INTERCEPT is that packaging can be used in circulation. This provides significant advantages in the manufacturing and handling of products. This advantage has been proven in actual applications by users over many years. For example, large load carriers have been used in circulation for 6 years for oil-free steering components, thermoformed trays have been used in test runs after 100 industrial washes, and engines have been packaged in the same bag on three stages. Circulation packaging where possible and economically interesting with a long realistic service life.
Is INTERCEPT expensive?
No. Due to the materials used, INTERCEPT's cost of materials for the manufactured products is higher than the prices of conventional protection methods. However, due to the unique functions of INTERCEPT, the cost price can not only be absorbed by process optimization, but in some cases considerable savings can be realized. This requires a detailed analysis by qualified experts.
Is INTERCEPT a new process?
No. INTERCEPT has been successfully used in the storage and worldwide shipment of industrial goods since 1984. Although initially developed for the specific use of components in the telecommunications industry, the technology was very quickly able to expand to other applications.
What materials are protected by INTERCEPT?
All ferrous and non-ferrous metals, elastomers, a variety of plastics, optical components and a range of organic materials. INTERCEPT is not a chemical process designed to protect only one variety of metals, nor is it designed to protect only ferrous metals by keeping humidity out. INTERCEPT "neutralizes" such corrosive influences that affect all materials. This makes it possible to protect all materials equally. This is especially advantageous for mixed assemblies and it drastically limits the number of packaging materials to be used.
Is desiccant always needed when using INTERCEPT?
We recommend the use of a very small amount of desiccant when there is a high volume of air in the package. The amount of desiccant is designed to quickly bind only the initial, packed humidity. Subsequent humidity is freed from its corrosive components by INTERCEPT and does not lead to further corrosion. Our packaging consultants will be happy to analyze any needs that may arise.
At which distance from the protecting material does INTERCEPT work?
The protective effect of our products is not limited by the distance and also works much further than only at a distance of 35cm. Even very large air volumes are effectively, quickly and permanently freed from corrosive components. This makes it possible, for example, to use much greater packing densities in load carriers, to reduce a large proportion of packaging materials and to dispense with coatings containing mineral oil.
Is it necessary to seal and vacuum seal INTERCEPT packaging?
You can of course thermally seal INTERCEPT products if you wish to do so for access control reasons. In principle, this is not necessary for the corrosion-protective effect. Only in the case of long-term storage over 2 years, welding is mandatory according to our warranty conditions. If, in addition, components (e.g. electronic components prior to soldering, propellant charges) have to be stored in a very dry condition, vacuuming is also advisable. In the vast majority of cases, wrapping the packaging is sufficient for protection.
How can I get individual advice on my application?
To enable individual advice, you have the following options for contacting us:
Phone: +49 (0) 3691 / 621440
E-Mail: sales@intercept-technology.com