BRIGHTENING AND PASSIVATION OF STAINLESS STEEL SURFACES

摘要

This invention relates to a composition for the brightening and/or passivating of stainless steel after pickling. The invention is based on the discovery that the presence of organic compounds containing multiple hydroxyl groups with at least 3, but not more than 8 carbon atoms as a further ingredient of passivating and brightening solution significantly increases the desmutting performance of pickled stainless steel surfaces. The compositions of the invention are especially useful for the passivating and brightening of stainless steel grades being alloyed with sulfur. The invention thus further encompasses a passivating and brightening process for pickled stainless steel surfaces wherein the stainless steel is alloyed with at least 0.10 at.-% of sulfur.