Passivation

Why is passivation important?

Stainless steel is able to resist corrosion thanks to a passive chromium oxide layer that forms on its surface . The formation of this protective layer is called passivation . Abrasion or excessive heat (caused by welding) will destroy this protective layer and expose the metal to corrosion .

Passivation occurs when the SURFOX is a safe, effective and chromium contained in the fast electrochemical cleaning stainless steel comes in contact system . The rate of cleaning with the oxygen in the air . This welds with this system is between chemical reaction forms a passive 3-5 feet per minute . chromium oxide layer, which will protect the surface of stainless The SURFOX system combines steel . To form a thick and uniform both the cleaning power of chromium oxide passive layer, the electrical current and the surface of the parent material passivation properties of must be perfectly clean and free electroyte cleaning solutions . of any contaminants . Passivation instantaneously Mechanical abrasion, thermal begins after the SURFOX treatment, welding, salt, strong electrochemical cleaning process acids and galvanic contamination is completed . It usually takes will damage the chromium oxide between 24 to 48 hours for layer and lead to unwanted passivation to be completed and oxidation . In order to fully stabilized . restore the corrosion resistance of stainless steel and avoid any interference in the passivation process, the heat tint as well as other surface contaminants must be removed .

Beginning of passivation process End of passivation process

Oxygen Thickness: 1 to 5 nanometers (1 to 10 molecules) Cr2O3 Protective oxide layer

Watch a short video about passivation on your smart phone . Chromium

Stainless Steel Stainless Steel