Interaction of liquid tin and zinc with AISI 304 stainless steel after passivation in air and nitric acid

► Oxide films on 304 stainless steel grow in air and in nitric acid. ► Reaction of liquid tin and zinc with oxidized surfaces has been studied. ► Metallurgical reaction of Sn and Zn produces (Fe,Cr)Sn2 and ζ, δ intermetallics. ► Oxide films are able to delay and/or inhibit the metallurgical reaction. ► Stability of the inhibition layer depends on the structure and composition.