The process of transition from the active to the passive state by formation of the
passivating
film. Passivation is achieved by an anodic current which at the respective
electrode potential must be larger than the maximum current, or by the presence of an oxidized substance
in the neighbouring solution which passivates by being reduced (passivator).
Source:
PAC, 1989, 61, 19
(Electrochemical corrosion nomenclature (Recommendations 1988))
on page 21