![]() It is also self-renewing-if it’s removed or damaged, more chromium will react with oxygen to replenish the barrier. It adheres to stainless steel surfaces and won’t transfer or react further with other materials. Unlike flaky and unstable iron oxide, chromium oxide is highly durable and non-reactive. The difference, however, is that only a very fine layer of chromium will oxidize (often only a few molecules in thickness). The chromium found in all stainless steels reacts quickly with oxygen environments, much the same as iron. Stainless steel has the innate ability to form a passive layer that prevents corrosion. ![]() Iron and standard carbon steels are highly susceptible to this type of corrosion. The red flaky oxide deteriorates easily-exposing more material to corrosion. In wet or humid conditions iron reacts with the oxygen contained in water to form iron oxide, also known as rust. Pure elements always react with the surrounding environment, which is why so few elements are naturally found in their pure form. Stainless steel has a natural rust resistance. Iron oxide, also known as rust, is red and flakey. Each application for stainless steel has its own unique demands, and needs a stainless steel that’s up to the task. The slightly higher price point of 316 is well worth it in areas with high chloride exposure, especially the coast and heavily salted roadways. 304 is an economical and practical choice for most environments, but it doesn’t have the chloride resistance of 316. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, but 304 doesn’t.įor outdoor furnishings like rails and bollards, stainless steel is an ideal corrosion-resistant material, but it will only withstand long-term exposure if the grade is appropriate for its environment. The key difference is the addition of molybdenum-an alloy which drastically enhances corrosion resistance, especially for more saline or chloride-exposed environments. The two most common stainless steel grades are 304 and 316. Depending on the grade, it may contain much higher chromium levels, and additional alloying ingredients like molybdenum, nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper, nitrogen, phosphorous and selenium. Stainless steel must contain at least 10.5 percent chromium. There are multiple grades under the stainless steel umbrella, each with slightly different alloy composition, and therefore slightly different physical characteristics. Stainless steel can withstand much more time and abuse before showing signs of wear.Īll steels have the same basic iron and carbon composition, but stainless steel also contains a healthy dose of chromium-the alloy that gives stainless steel its famous corrosion resistance.Īnd this is where things get complicated. Just like standard steel, stainless can get marked up by fingerprints and grease, develop discoloration, and eventually rust. Stainless steel stains less easily than other iron-based metals, but it’s not literally “stainless”. Judging by the name, you might assume that stainless steel never stains-but you’d be wrong. 304 and 316 are the two most common grades of stainless steel.
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