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Passivation- the process of forming a protective layer of oxide on the surface of a metal by immersing in a solution of nitric acid.

Phosphorous- Chemical Symbol P, a highly reactive, non-metallic, poisonous element.  Used as an alloying element in many steels in small amounts, normally less than 0.05%.  Phosphorous increases yield strength, reduces ductility and can also increase resistance to atmospheric corrosion.

Physical Properties- The properties of a material, other than mechanical properties, which can determined without changing the identity of the material- such as density, conductivity etc

Pickling- Part of the finishing process in the production of steel, this involves removing scale and oxides from the surface of the material in a bath of dilute hydrochloric or sulphuric acid.  Material is then washed and immersed in a bath of lime water to remove any remaining acid.

Pipe- a tubular, hollow cylinder, product used to conduct liquids and gases.

Pitting Corrosion- a form of localised corrosion whereby small cavities or holes appear in the material.  Considered to be one of the most damaging forms of corrosion as it can penetrate deeper quite quickly.

Plasma Cutting- A cutting process used to cut steels using an electrical arc through an inert gas.  This creates plasma, which is sufficiently hot to melt the material being cut.

Plastic Deformation- the permanent change in size or shape of a material due to applied force.  Plastic deformation normally occurs following elastic deformation.

Plate- a flat-rolled metal product. Flat products with an thickness of 4mm or above are normally referred to as plate, those below 4mm are referenced as sheet.

Precipitation Hardening- the process of heating to a temperature at which certain elements precipitate, resulting in a hardening of the structure, then cooling at a rate which doesn't allow the material to return to it's original structure.

PREN- Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number- calculated as "PREN=Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N".  This number gives an indication of the pitting resistance of a stainless steel.

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