Understanding Chemical Passivation

Passivation is the removal of contaminants from the surface grain boundaries of metals such as stainless steel to allow the growth of a natural, inert, oxide layer on the metal. Contaminants such as sulfides (used in manufacturing processes) and free iron inhibit the formation of the oxide layer that protects metals like stainless steel from corrosion. In chemical passivation, such as nitric passivation or citric passivation, acid immersion is used to remove contaminants. When contaminants such as free iron are removed from the metal’s surface, they can no longer react with the atmosphere to form rust.

NEE Chemical Passivation Capabilities

To thoroughly address your needs, NEE also offers passivation through electropolishing services for the full range of stainless steel alloys.

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Tell us about your nitric passivation, citric passivation and application requirements. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to meet your needs with the electropolishing and passivation processes best suited to your parts and application. Contact us today.