Passivation

Definition

Passivation is the process by which a material becomes less affected by environmental factors such as air or water, often forming a protective oxide layer. This increases the material's resistance to corrosion and chemical reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passivation commonly occurs in metals such as aluminum and stainless steel, forming an oxide layer that prevents further oxidation.
2. The passivation layer can be artificially created through chemical treatments or electrochemical processes.
3. Passivated surfaces are crucial in applications where metal durability and longevity are important, such as in construction and medical devices.
4. In chemistry, passivation can also refer to the deactivation of a catalyst's surface to prevent further reactions.
5. Some elements like chromium naturally form passive layers that significantly enhance their corrosion resistance.

Review Questions

Related terms

Oxidation:

A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons, often associated with gaining oxygen or losing hydrogen.

Corrosion:

The gradual destruction of materials (usually metals) by chemical reactions with their environment.

Catalyst:

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.