Processes, Features and Benefits

The Process

The passive layer prevents or slows corrosion of the base material, significantly extending component service life.

While some metals develop natural passivation by air or moisture, processes by ElpoChem create a stable and long-lasting protective effect through a controlled and technically optimized process.

Suitable Materials

- Stainless Steel
- Carbon Steel
- Copper Alloys
- Titanium Alloys

Operating Principle

In surface technology, passivation refers to the spontaneous or targeted formation of a protective layer, typically consisting of stable oxides or hydroxides, that prevent direct contact between the base metal and oxygen or moisture.

In many applications, it is advisable to not to leave this process to chance, but to deliberatly create the passivation layer through a defined chemical process. This significantly improves the corrosion resistance of the material and optimally prepares the surface for it's intended use.

Passivation of Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel passivation is advisable for workpieces that are immediately after pickling or electropolishing exposed to chemical stress. Passivation accelerates the natural formation of a passivation layer chemically and significantly improves the material's corrosion resistance.

Passivation of Copper

Copper and its alloys are susceptible to tarnishing and oxidation when exposed to atmospheric conditions. Treatment with tarnish protection agents containing specialized inhibitors creates a transparent, temporary barrier that prevents tarnishing while preserving surface appearance and electrical conductivity.

Benefits of passivation

- Enhanced corrosion resistance through stable protective layers
- Chemically pure and low-reactive surfaces
- Preventing tarnishing and oxidation of copper alloys
- Improved durability and usability after pickling or electropolishing
- Uniform, homogeneous surfaces with long-lasting protection

Result

Passivation is a critical last step in surface treatment.
It ensures that metallic materials are permanently protected against corrosion and that their function, purity and appearance are retained in the long term — an essential requirement for high-quality applications in industry, medical technology and apparatus manufacturing.