What Is Passivation For Stainless Steel

Passivation is a process that provides a protective oxide layer on the surface of metal that resists oxygen, water, and other impurities of the air.

How Does The Passivation Process Work

Passivation happens when stainless steel is put into a bath of nitric acid or citric acid. The chemicals leave the metal layer smooth with no microscopic openings for oxygen or water to get through.

Nitric Acid Vs Citric Acid

Citric acid is the newer than nitric acid and is recognized as not being harmful to the environment. Nitric acid is the industry standard. Nitric chemicals are recognized to have a longer shelf life.

Advantages To Using Passivation For Stainless Steel

• Prevent corrosion
• Increase the life expectancy of stainless steel
• Compliments the natural ability of the stainless steel to resist rust and allows the stainless steel to self-heal
• Does not change the properties of the metal. The layer is only .0000001 inches thick or 1/100,000 of the thickness
  of a human hair.

Who Can Perform Passivation For Stainless Steel

Contact the trusted professionals of CELCO for your passivation needs. CELCO employees have the expertise to make sure your stainless steel products have the maximum protection.