A volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) is a material that protects metals from corrosion. Corrosion inhibitors are chemical compounds that can decrease the corrosion rate of a material, typically a metal or an alloy. It is often added to the surface of a paper. Metal that is to be protected is covered with this paper, and these chemicals are slowly volatilized and release compounds within a sealed airspace that actively prevents surface corrosion of the metal. Wrapping metals in volatile corrosion-inhibitor-coated paper provides excellent short-term protection against corrosion. The chemicals in the paper continuously vaporize to insulate sensitive parts against moisture and humidity. A volatile corrosion inhibitor is also known as a vapor corrosion inhibitor.