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The passivation layer is an oxidized metal (black). The passivation layer prevents further degradation of the underlying coalloy (Implant, gray). Metal implanted into the body has reacted with oxygen and is passivated. However, damage to the passivation layer results in exposure of the reactive coalloy surface, which reacts oxygen (O2) and water (H2O) resulting in repassivation. Illustration created by Chrisoula Toupadakis Skouritakis, Ph.D.
