PASSIVATION

Passivation is a two step process. The first step is to remove any free iron or iron compound that is on the surface, otherwise this iron will create a localized site where corrosion can continue. Acid is used to dissolve away the iron and its compounds. The surface itself is not affected by this process. The second step is to use an oxidizer to force the conversion of chromium metal on the surface to the oxide form. This will create the uniform chromium oxide protective layer.