Passivation is the process of forming a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface of stainless steel to protect it from corrosion. This is done by adding a chemical that removes free iron and allows chromium oxide to form. Formulated citric acid passivation such as stated in ASTM A967 has the advantage of being safer than other means of acidic passivation of steel and stainless steel. Alconox, LLC has developed effective citric acid passivation formulations that prevent and repair structural and performance corrosion issues.
