[TheForge] Stainless contamination

[Pwwhitley at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/24/2005 10:24:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
Hochewa at aol.com writes:

Passivation can happen naturally if the surface is clean and  uncontaminated.



A ground surface on type 304 SS achieved with iron-free tools becomes  
naturally passivated as soon as the oxygen in the combines and produces chromium  
oxide on the surface.  If that surface is disturbed -- but not contaminated  
with iron -- oxygen will combine with the exposed chromium forming the  
protective oxide.  This is largely true even under water as there is enough  free 
oxygen to preserve the oxide.
 
Philip