Passzivál

Passzivál is a Hungarian term that translates to "passivation" in English. In a chemical context, passivation refers to a process where a material, typically a metal, becomes less reactive or corrodes more slowly due to the formation of a protective film on its surface. This film is often an oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide layer that acts as a barrier, preventing further chemical reactions with the environment.

For example, stainless steel is considered passivated because a thin, invisible chromium oxide layer forms on its surface when exposed to air. This layer is highly resistant to corrosion and is responsible for the characteristic durability of stainless steel. Other metals, like aluminum, also naturally form a protective oxide layer. The passivation process can sometimes be enhanced or intentionally induced through chemical treatments, such as using nitric acid for stainless steel.

The concept of passivation is crucial in materials science and engineering, as it directly impacts the longevity and performance of metallic components in various applications. Understanding and controlling passivation is essential for preventing degradation and ensuring the reliability of structures, machinery, and everyday objects. While often associated with metals, passivation can also be a phenomenon observed in other materials where surface treatments lead to reduced reactivity.