Stainless steel corrosion resistance

Stainless steels are used because of their corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. For many applications, strength and other properties are also important.

Iron (Fe) is main element

• Contains at least 10.5% chromium

Corrosion resistance comes from thin chromium oxide layer on surface

Corrosion resistance increases as chromium content increases

Other elements also improve corrosion resistance

• Nickel, molybdenum, manganese, …