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Passivation – what is it and is it necessary?

April 26, 2017necessary Passivation

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Passivation – what is it and is it necessary?

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Stainless steel is stainless (corrosion/rust resistance) because of a thin layer on its surface which is inert. This layer builds up either over time or as the result of a passivation process. The passivation process uses acid to create a surface layer that will not rust. Instruments will be subject to such a process as part of their production. In the event that the layer is damaged or breached the instruments may need to be subject to a repeat process in order to prevent rusting in the damaged area. The chemicals that can be used to passivate stainless steel are typically 20 – 50% nitric acid (not nice) or citric acid which is organic and safe to use (the acid found in oranges). Passivation requires instruments to be clean and free from any lubricants and requires exposure to the acid for fixed times at specified temperatures. Passivation is an additional process that you should aim to avoid – we do!