Passivation is the chemical treatment of a stainless steel surface with a mild oxidant such as a nitric acid or citric acid solution. Passivation removes surface contamination created when stainless steel is machined and fabricated that cause corrosion and promote friction-related damage in stainless steel. These contaminants can result in premature corrosion that could ultimately damage the component. In addition to surface cleaning, passivation forms a thin, transparent oxide coating that fights selective oxidation and won’t create a variation in component tolerances.