Some of the physico-electrochemical properties of passive oxide films that form on reactive in total and alloy surfaces, and which protect the underlying metals from corrosion, are reviewed within the context of the point defect model and the mixed potential model. The application of the models to the prediction of damage is illustrated by estimating the loss in wall thickness of alloy C-22 canisters containing high-level nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain like repositories. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.