Stainless Steel Facts: Things That Will Leave You Surprised
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In simpler terms, The word 'stainless steel' means this alloy-based metal does not easily cause stains or form rust.
The key component of stainless steel is iron and carbon. Some of the other alloying elements used in stainless steel are nickel, nitrogen, manganese, molybdenum, and magnesium.
The prominent alloy metal present is chromium, a minimum of 10.5%, which prevents iron from rusting is combined with nickel and acts as corrosion resistance, in conjunction with a low percentage of the carbon content of 0.03-1.2%.
Stainless steel is considered a green material that many manufacturers nowadays prefer as it can be 100% recycled. Almost 100 grades of stainless steel are available in markets, and most of them can withstand high temperatures.
Stainless steels are highly environment-friendly and easy to maintain, and hence these are used in manufacturing cutlery, construction business, big industries, security bars, plumbing, and aircraft.
Discovery And History
Over the years, stainless steel has revolutionized the modern world and has been used in many applications. Let's read about the history and milestones of this metal.
Stainless steel, which is otherwise called 'rustless steel,' was discovered by Harry Brearley in the UK in 1913. He added 12.8% of chromium to heated iron, which created a metal that would not rust. He was lurched by this discovery as he experimented to solve the detrition of gun barrels during the first world war for the British army.
Stainless steel-made surgical implants were first made in 1926. The stainless steel train was built first in the USA in 1930.
In 2010, stainless steel production globally was around 31 million. Stainless steel sinks were widely used by the year 1935.
Chemical Properties
The distinguishing feature of stainless steel that makes it special is its chemical properties. Here are a few facts mentioned below.
Chromium is the main element used in stainless steel, and when that's exposed to oxygen, it forms chromium oxide, which forms a thin layer on its metal surface. Even if any damage has happened to the surface, a new coating can be given, preventing corrosion in stainless steel.
Stainless steel is highly resistant to acids and other organic compounds. Some stainless steel can resist highly concentrated acids, whereas few will be restricted to low concentrations. Thus, stainless steel is best suited in chemical industries for multipurpose.
Apart from these benefits, stainless steel also resists sulfur, salt, moisture, carbon dioxide, and other alkaline compounds. It helps to survive even in tough environments when compared with other metals.
Applications In Life And Lab
There are several stainless steel applications used in our everyday life. Some of the facts are listed here.
This alloy-based metal is often shaped into rolls, bars, plates, wires, and sheets. These steels are converted into applications that we use in our day-to-day life as kitchen sinks, cutlery, and other accessories.
The type 304 Grade stainless steel is commonly used in dishwashers and refrigerators.
Surgical instruments are made from austenitic 316 Grade stainless steel. Pharmaceutical applications use grade 304 L and 316 L stainless steel, which prevents corrosion and can be cleaned easily.
Stainless steel has been widely used in architecture since the ’20s, and it sure gives an artistic look as well.
Many leading architects prefer molybdenum-containing stainless steels for landscape design as they are highly resistant to corrosion.
Some of the notable stainless steel architectures are listed below:
Type 316 stainless steel is used in pedestrian bridges in Hongkong. Steel panels are used in Marina Bay sands Art and science museum, Singapore.
Helix bridge used 2205 duplex stainless steel, which is highly strong and corrosion-resistant.
Material Properties
Stainless steel has the most attractive material properties, which everyone likes. Let's read on to know more facts!
Stainless steel has irresistible properties, and that's one of the reasons many industries widely use them in the making of different parts. Even a minimum of 10.5% of chromium gives 200 times more resistance to corrosion than steels with no chromium present.
Some of the other interesting properties which end customers like are durability, high strength, high elasticity, low maintenance, and recycled multiple times without causing any hazard to the environment. As soon as the product is fitted, it need not be coated, painted, or treated again.
Occurrence
Stainless steel is not extracted from any ores as it is artificial alloy metal. Below are a few facts about this alloy occurrence.
Chromium, the alloy metal, is the primary component combined with nickel and other elements used in making stainless steel. When exposed to oxygen and moisture, it forms a thin layer of chromium oxide on the metal surface, giving protection against rust and corrosion.
FAQs
What is special about stainless steel?
One of the distinct quality of stainless steel is they are made from recycled materials like steel, which does not degrade in terms of quality and benefits the environment.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy of steel combined with chromium and other metals like nickel, manganese, or molybdenum, protecting against corrosion.
What are stainless steels used for?
Stainless steel is predominantly used in kitchen cookware sets, sinks, and cutlery. Automobile parts manufacturers use stainless steel exhaust systems for high performance and long-lastingness. Stainless steel that is used in making knives are less ductile grade.
Is stainless steel a good material?
Stainless steel's high durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance make this steel a good material.
Can stainless steel rust?
As the name itself says 'stainless,' stainless steel is highly resistant to rust because of its added additive alloys.
What is the difference between steel and stainless steel?
Both stainless steel and steel are known as metals. Steel is made of a hard alloy that contains carbon, and iron whereas stainless steel's main components are iron-chromium, and carbon content is lesser in amount.
Is stainless steel pure?
Grade 304 stainless steel is the widely used one and is the purest steel grade.
What is the disadvantage of stainless steel?
The disadvantages of stainless steel are that they are quite expensive compared to metals like aluminum and bulkier than other metals.
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Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel
https://eagletube.com/about-us/news/stainless-steel-characteristics/
https://pediaa.com/difference-between-steel-and-stainless-steel/
https://www.imoa.info/molybdenum-uses/molybdenum-grade-stainless-steels/stainless-steel-architecture.php
https://www.ulbrich.com/blog/stainless-sustainability-the-circular-economy-of-metal/
https://www.unifiedalloys.com/blog/what-is-stainless-steel
https://www.meadmetals.com/blog/common-uses-for-stainless-steel
https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8307
https://fractory.com/what-is-stainless-steel/
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.
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