Before we talk about treatment, it's important to understand how passivation works.
A thin chromium oxide layer provides stainless steel with the characteristics known as stain resistance and corrosion resistance. This layer forms when the surface of steel is exposed to oxygen.
However, if the surface of the steel is dirty or damaged, this inhibits the natural formation of the oxide layer.
Although passivation treatments help to promote the natural formation of this layer, they also help to improve corrosion resistance in other ways.
One way is to reduce the amount of free iron introduced during processing or from the environment. If your stainless steel contains common sulphides commonly used for processing, passivation can help reduce any sulphides exposed to the surface of your steel.
This is important because exposed sulfide provides an opportunity for corrosion to begin and spread.
