The process of passivation of superfine aluminum powders (SFAPs) (a(s) less than or equal to 100 nm), obtained with the electrical explosion of wires (EEW) method, has been studied. The passivation coatings of different nature (oxides, stearic acid and aluminum diboride) were covered on the particle surface. The process of passivation and analysis of passivated powders was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), XRD, TEM, infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (MS), thermocouple method and bomb calorimetry. After the comprehensive testing of coatings, a model of stabilization of the superfine aluminum particles was suggested, explaining the anomalous high content of aluminum metal in the electroexplosive powders. The main characteristic of the model is a formation of charged structures, which prevent metal oxidation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.