The electro-chemical process behind the passivity of stainless steels is explained in a new CD-ROM by Euro Inox, Brussels. Stainless steels owe their inherent corrosion resistance to the phenomenon of passivity. The chromium content of 10.5% or more enables the iron-based alloy to develop a thin protective oxide layer at its surface, which shields it from hostile environments. If damaged through abrasion or during fabrication, the passive layer spontaneously reforms if oxygen is available in the environment, and its corrosion resistance is regained. The CD-ROM from Euro Inox describes the different types of corrosion to which stainless steels may be susceptible, to a technical and scientific audience. The document helps the reader to understand how to exploit and maintain the corrosion-resistant properties through appropriate design and fabrication methods. The CD, entitled âThe Self Passivation of Stainless Steel,â? is available free of charge from Euro Inox, Brussels: by fax : +32 2 706 82 69; by e-mail: info@euro-inox.org; by Internet: www.euro-inox.org
