Simulation analysis of electrochemical nature of real passive films with artificial passivation films

Simulation experiments using oxide thin films with analogues composition and thickness of passive films on Fe–Cr alloys have been performed to reveal the function of alloying elements in passive films. The objective of the present paper is to review recent results of the simulation experiments using Fe2O3–Cr2O3 films. The thinning rate of the films was measured as a function of potential in 1M HCl by in-situ ellipsometry. The potential-dependent change of the rate well simulated the potential-dependent dissolution behavior of Fe–Cr alloys. The composition of the films having resistance against given environment was obtained by the simulation experiments.