Alternative models of passive state of metals. Part III: Comparison of different models

Principal aspects of current theories of the passive state of metals are compared. Each theory contains three main parts (or models). Two of them are interfaces between the passive film (PF) and (1) the electrolyte (FE interface) (2) the metal (MF interface); the third one (3) is the film itself, which transfers ions between these interfaces. The paper covers all three topics. The processes' paths, an adequate set of equations, and their aggregate studies compose what is referred to as a term 'model.' The reviewed theories can mainly be distinguished by the means of interpreting processes proceeding at the MF and FE interfaces and in the bulk of PF which are discussed in this work.