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)