Burnishing

Burnishing is a process in surface technology that is often used to treat metal surfaces in order to protect them from corrosion or to give them a decorative appearance. In this process, the metal surface is subjected to a chemical treatment that creates a thin, dark-colored oxide layer.

The burnishing process is usually carried out by immersing the workpiece in a burnishing solution containing special chemicals such as nitrates, nitrites or sulphates of salts such as copper, iron or other metals. These chemicals react with the metal surface and form a stable, dark oxide layer that acts as a protective coating.

Burnishing can serve various purposes, including

1. corrosion protection: the oxide layer formed protects the metal from environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen that would normally lead to corrosion.

2. improving aesthetics: In some cases, burnishing is also carried out for aesthetic reasons to give the metallic surfaces a dark, decorative appearance.

3. improving durability: By forming a stable oxide layer, burnishing can improve the durability and wear resistance of the treated surface.

Overall, burnishing is a versatile process in surface technology that can fulfill both functional and aesthetic requirements and can be used in various industries, such as the automotive industry.

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This definition is taken from the surface technology encyclopedia from Surface Technology Online. You can find many more technical terms from the surface technology industry in our lexicon overview.

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