Passivation (chemistry)

Passivation is like putting a shield on a metal so that it doesn't rust or corrode. You know how you sometimes put on sunscreen to protect your skin from getting burnt in the sun? Passivation is sort of like that.

When something rusts or corrodes, it means that it starts to break down and lose its strength. This can happen to metal too. Metal gets exposed to things like air and water, which can make it start to rust or corrode over time.

So, to make sure that metal doesn't rust or corrode, we can use a process called passivation. This process involves coating the metal with a thin layer of material that protects it from the bad things in the environment that can cause it to rust or corrode.

The coating is usually made of a material called oxide, which forms a thin film on the metal's surface. This layer of oxide then acts as a barrier between the metal and the air, water or other things that might cause it harm.

Passivation is used for things like stainless steel, which is used to make things like kitchen knives, hospital equipment, and even car exhausts. By using passivation, these things can last longer, look better, and be more durable over time.

So, passivation is a process that helps to protect metal from damage by applying a protective coating that prevents rust and corrosion. It's sort of like putting on sunscreen when you go outside to protect your skin from getting burnt by the sun.