The passive state is characterized by a contiguous 'passivating
film' of solid
corrosion products separating the metallic phase from the adjacent electrolyte.
Corrosion in the passive state involves growth of the passivating
film and/or transfer of metal ions through the
film into the electrolyte.
Source: PAC, 1989,
61, 19. (
Electrochemical corrosion nomenclature (Recommendations 1988)) on page 21 [
Terms] [
Paper]