Passivation
Passivation is the process of making a material 'passive' or less reactive by applying a thin layer of material on its surface. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, passivation is used to protect spacecraft and their components from the harsh space environment. This is done by applying a thin layer of material, such as a metal oxide or nitride, on the surface of the spacecraft or component. The passivation layer acts as a barrier, preventing the underlying material from reacting with the environment. Passivation is particularly important for materials that are prone to corrosion or degradation in the space environment, such as aluminum and titanium. Passivation can also be used to reduce the outgassing of materials, which can be a problem in vacuum environments. Passivation is typically done using a variety of techniques, including chemical vapor deposition, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and thermal oxidation.
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