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• Technical Hotline
Pickling
Pickling is the removal of any high temperature scale and any adjacent low chromium layer of metal from the surface of
stainless steel by chemical means.
Pickling pastes, where the solution is mixed with an inert carrier, are commonly used to treat selected areas such as
welds.
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Pickling involves metal removal and a change or dulling in the visual brightness of the metal.
Electropolishing is a useful alternative to pickling. Metal removal is achieved, but usually results in a bright, smooth and
more highly corrosion resistant finish.
Passivation
Both pickling and passivation solutions can employ dangerous acids that can damage both the operator and the
environment if not handled correctly. Stainless pickling acids are highly corrosive to carbon steel.
It is essential that all acids are thoroughly removed by rinsing the component after completing the process. Residual
hydrofluoric acid will initiate pitting corrosion.
It may be advantageous to neutralise the acid with an alkali before the rinsing step.
ASTM A380 Standard Practice for Cleaning, Descaling and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment and Systems
is a valuable source of information on pickling and passivation treatments. Other sources of information may be obtained
by contacting ASSDA.
The corrosion resistance of the stainless steel is affected by the roughness of the surface after polishing, with a marked
decrease of the corrosion resistance as the surface roughness increases above a Ra value of about 0.5 micrometres. This
roughly corresponds to the surface produced by grinding with 320 grit abrasives.
Either passivation or electropolishing can be used to improve the corrosion resistance of mechanically polished surfaces.
Safety
Pickling and passivation use strong acids, and normal precautions for safety should be followed. Consult Materials
Safety Data Sheets and product packaging for detailed advice.
Further sources of information on both pickling and passivation can be obtained by contacting ASSDA.
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http://www.assda.asn.au/technical-info/surface-finishes/pickling-and-passivation 31/03/2015