activation

in electrochemical corrosion
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.A00094
The process of transition from the passive to the active state by removal of the passivating
film
. A necessary condition for
activation
is an
electrode potential
negative to the equilibrium potential of formation of the passivating
film
.
Activation
is achieved by cathodic currents, by a reduced substance in the adjacent solution, or by contact with an electronic conductor having a suitably negative
corrosion potential
.
See also:
passive state (in electrochemical corrosion)
,
active state (in electrochemical corrosion)
Source:
PAC, 1989, 61, 19. (Electrochemical corrosion nomenclature (Recommendations 1988)) on page 21 [Terms] [Paper]