Passivation

The formation of a thin, stable oxide film on a metal surface that markedly reduces its chemical reactivity, occurring naturally on metals such as stainless steel and aluminium or induced deliberately by chemical treatment. Passivation treatments for stainless steel remove free iron contamination and restore the protective chromium rich oxide layer.

Related terms

Anodising

An electrolytic process that thickens and controls the natural oxide film on aluminium and certain other metals, improving corrosion and wear resistance and allowing the surface to be coloured by dyeing before sealing. It is widely specified for architectural aluminium and for aerospace components.

Coatings & protectionManufacturing processesAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Corrosion inhibitor

A chemical species that reduces the corrosion rate of a metal when present in relatively small amounts, either dosed into the surrounding environment, for example in cooling water systems, or incorporated as inhibitive pigments within a primer.

Coatings & protectionAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

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