Summary
Definition of passivation
The protection
Passivation refers to a process that is used to protect a metal from corrosion. In general, corrosion is the deterioration of a material due to chemical reactions with the surrounding environment, often with oxygen in the air. Passivation is a method of forming a protective layer on the surface of a metal, thus preventing or slowing the corrosion process.
How it works
This protective layer, called passivation, is generally composed of oxides, hydroxides, or other chemical compounds that are more stable and less reactive than the underlying metal. In the case of stainless steel, for example, passivation is often achieved by exposing the metal to chemicals or treatments that promote the formation of a protective layer on the surface, this layer prevents oxidizing agents such as air and moisture to come into contact with the protected surface and damage it.
Main uses
Passivation is widely used in several industries, including the metal industry, chemical industry, aerospace industry, food industry and many others, where corrosion resistance of metals is critical to durability and integrity of structures and equipment.
Why passivate
The use of passivation in industrial settings is common, especially when it comes to protecting metals from corrosion. Here is an overview of how passivation is used in various industrial contexts:
Passivation on stainless steel
Stainless steel is often passivated to improve its corrosion resistance. This process involves exposing stainless steel to chemicals, such as nitric acids or citric acid solutions, which promote the formation of a protective layer of chromium oxide on the surface.
Passivation on Aluminium
Aluminum can be passivated by chemical treatments to form a layer of aluminum oxide on the surface. This layer protects the aluminum from corrosion.
Passivation in industrial chemistry
In many chemical industries, where exposure to corrosive substances is common, metallic materials used for equipment and pipelines can be passivated to ensure longer life.
Passivation in the food and pharmaceutical sectors
In environments where hygiene is of primary importance, such as in the food and pharmaceutical industries, stainless steel is often used and passivated to ensure the surface is corrosion resistant and easy to clean.
Passivation in naval components and structures
In the shipping industry, where structures are constantly exposed to moisture and sea salt, passivation of metals is essential to prevent corrosion and extend the useful life of structures.
Passivation in electronics
In some electronic components, especially those used in harsh environments, passivation can be used to protect metal contacts from corrosion and other damage.
The best passivation
The specific method of passivation depends on the type of metal involved and the environmental conditions to which it will be exposed. Treatments can range from the use of specific chemicals to the creation of a protective layer through chemical, electrochemical or thermal processes.
FIPROKIM SRL passivating agents
The FIPROPLUS line
FIPROKIM SRL, among its products, has developed the FIPROPLUS line, which is a vast range of interoperable additives, passivators and degreasers for every application and sector. Can be used alone or in combination with the products in our lines, they allow you to optimize the effectiveness of numerous industrial processes.
FIPROPLUS 704
The alkaline product, with neutralizing and antioxidant characteristics, is ideal for closing phosphating or acid pickling cycles. It is also indicated and recommended as an antioxidant additive in hydro-pneumatic test baths on products such as: radiators and radiant plates, sealing tanks, petrol tanks, etc.
FIPROPLUS 705
The alkaline product, with a neutralizing function, is ideal for the final passivation in iron phosphating and zinc phosphating processes.
FIPROPLUS 708
The product is a slightly alkaline liquid detergent, designed for the degreasing of ferrous material, aluminium, cast iron and steel, with simultaneous protection from rust: thanks to its formulation, in fact, it does not leave salt deposits on the treated parts, it therefore causes encrustations and sludge. The product is free of nitrites and mineral oils.
FIPROPLUS 726
The product is amine-based and boron-free. Designed to be used as a passivating-protective in testing baths, it is rich in passivating substances and complexing agents with the characteristic of forming clear solutions even in the presence of particularly hard water. Furthermore, it does not emulsify any dirt present on the pieces, thus facilitating its separation on the free surface of the bathroom. It can also be used as an inter-operational passivator or as a final passivator in pre-painting phosphating cycles in the last rinse tank.
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