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Chemical Passivation Treatments

While not offering all of the benefits of electropolishing, chemical passivation will improve the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. The presence of exogenous surface contaminates may disrupt the formation of stainless steels' naturally corrosion resistant surface layer. Surface contaminants, including grease, dirt, iron, and other metallic particles are inherent to the metal fabrication process. During a chemical passivation treatment, the surface of a part is chemically treated by a mild oxidant. The passivation treatment removes free iron and other foreign contaminants and promotes the formation of a chromium-rich corrosion resistant layer.

Harrison Electropolishing has performed chemical passivation treatments with excellent results since 1980. We have the capacity to passivate stainless steel components of all sizes at our facility or a jobsite anywhere in the world. Harrison Electropolishing will perform chemical passivation treatments in compliance with ASTM specifications or your industry or company specific chemical passivation standard.

Passivation Treatments Explained

Passivation treatments are meant to stabilize the protective oxide film on the surface of “passive” stainless steel. Oxide forms an invisible and remarkably thin layer of film that is roughly 1/100,000th the thickness of human hair. Newly machined, polished or pickled stainless steel parts immediately acquire such an oxide film, simply from exposure to oxygen. Under ideal conditions, this protective oxide film completely covers all surfaces of the part.

Typically, shop dirt or particles of iron from cutting tools end up on the surface of stainless steel parts during machining. If not removed, these foreign particles reduce effectiveness of the original protective film. Passivation treatments help to counteract this process.

Passivation treatments are also effective in counteracting the effect of sulfides on stainless steel. Sulfides act as launching sites for corrosion on the surface of fabricated products. If the steel is properly passivated, sulfides are not going to be a problem.

Passivation treatments, most importantly, maximize the natural corrosion resistance of stainless steel. It removes surface contamination, shop dirt and particles from cutting tools that lead to rust or corrosion. Passivation treatments can ensure proper stainless steel performance and help avoid material malfunction.

Passivating Steel Services from Harrison Electropolishing

Chemical Passivation Treatments

Metal Finishing Services