Today’s emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy may leave some manufacturers wondering: "Can I really get the results I need while increasing my use of bio-based content?” Cortec^® shares two viable rust preventatives that allow users to go as high as 72% or 99% bio-based content for metals protection in humid environments.

Canola Oil-Based Rust Preventatives

EcoLine^® 3690 and EcoLine^® 3220 are two wet-film rust preventatives from Cortec. Each includes a special package of corrosion inhibitors in a canola oil base for protection in high-humidity conditions. EcoLine 3690 contains 72% USDA-certified bio-based content. EcoLine 3220 goes even higher; it contains 99% USDA-certified bio-based content. Both can be applied by spray, brush, or dip like traditional wet-film rust preventatives, leaving behind a tenacious oily film that clings to metal surfaces and provides excellent contact corrosion protection.

Where to Use the Preventatives

These two temporary bio-based coatings can be used in a variety of applications. Among the most common is rust prevention in various stages of the manufacturing process or during storage and shipment. The coatings protect both ferrous and yellow metals, and can be applied to wire, sheet metals, pipes, flanges, gears, and equipment. Furthermore, a low pour point of -0 °F (-18 °C) makes the 3220 product good for application in cold conditions where other rust preventatives might freeze.

Bio-Based Rust Prevention in Action

With almost three-quarters of its content coming from a renewable cooking oil, 3690 has been used to replace products that were less friendly to workers and the environment. In one case, a tube manufacturer investigated the use of the coating as a rust preventative for the ends of pipes bundled and stored for 9-12 months outdoors. They were impressed with the results on the test bundle after eight months and expressed satisfaction with its level of worker safety as they decided to use it going forward.

In another case, the coating was adopted for protection of automotive all-time-buys that needed be stored for up to 10 years after tooling retirement. The previous rust preventative had been used for decades but was hard to remove and raised worker and environmental concerns. Cortec’s coating underwent necessary testing and met the automaker’s requirements for rust prevention, so it was written into the automaker’s specifications for aftermarket engineering processes. The third-party packager started using it in 2019 for crankshafts, camshafts, and cylinder heads going into long-term storage.

A protected camshaft four days in salt spray conditions.

Time to Up Your Bio-Based Content?

Being able to reduce the amount of petroleum-based solvents in a product and replace them with gentler bio-based material such as canola oil is a great option whenever an effective, affordable product results. To learn more visit and contact Cortec here. 

 *Images courtesy of Cortec.