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Stainless Steel Types: Resist Rust And Corrosion
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Published: March 29, 2007
From the one ton trucks to priceless jewelry, stainless steel is known for being one of the most durable and long lasting materials around. It has remained a staple in architecture, cars, and cutlery. Stainless steel is so popular because it has a higher resistance to rust and corrosion. This makes it a premium choice for a variety of different aspects of life.
Stainless steel is defined as a corrosion resistant steel.
It's name is derived from the fact that it does not rust or corrode. This resistance from rust and corrosion is achieved with a minimum of 13% chromium in each piece of steel. The chromium acts as a protective layer on top of the steel, thus keeping it from rusting. Another key detail to chromium is that when it is scratched, it quickly reforms. This comes in particularly handy with bolts, nails, and hammers that get scratched often.
Stainless steel can be divided into three types: austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic Austenitic is the most commonly used type because it contains a chromium and nickel level of 16%. Such a high level of chromium allows for a more protective layer over the steel, while the high level of nickel keeps the steel from cracking.
Austentic is normally used for flatware, or cutlery. With its ability to resist cracking, rust, and corrosion at such a high level, austenitic stainless steel is quite costly. In fact, it is the most expensive stainless steel available.
Ferritic stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant and rust resistant. However, it is not as durable as austenitic. Even though ferritic contains a high level of chromium, usually between 11% and 27%, it usually contains very little nickel, if any at all. As a result of its lack of durability, ferritic is generally not produced independently. Instead, it is infused in other materials to strengthen them. Common uses for ferritic include aluminum and titanium. This material can then be used in jewelry or household items.
Martensitic stainless steel is highly durable, but not resistant to corrosion and rust. Martensitic generally contains 12%-14% chromium and less than 2% nickel. Even though it is a low nickel level, it is still highly durable because of its ability to be hardened by heat and machines. This is possible because of the high level of carbon. After martensitic is hardened it can be used for a variety of purposes including magnets, playground equipment, and sporting equipment.
Stainless steel has dominated the steel industry for years with its durability, rust resistance, and corrosion resistance. With the expansion of stainless steel into different types there is sure to be even more uses for it in the future and beyond.
Sources:
“Cutlery.” Wikipedia. 24 Mar. 2007. 29 Mar. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatware
“Stainless Steel.” Wikipedia. 28 Mar. 2007. 29 Mar 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel
“Martensite.” Wikipedia. 28 Mar. 2007. 29 Mar 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martensite
Stainless steel is defined as a corrosion resistant steel.
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Stainless steel can be divided into three types: austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic Austenitic is the most commonly used type because it contains a chromium and nickel level of 16%. Such a high level of chromium allows for a more protective layer over the steel, while the high level of nickel keeps the steel from cracking.
Austentic is normally used for flatware, or cutlery. With its ability to resist cracking, rust, and corrosion at such a high level, austenitic stainless steel is quite costly. In fact, it is the most expensive stainless steel available.
Ferritic stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant and rust resistant. However, it is not as durable as austenitic. Even though ferritic contains a high level of chromium, usually between 11% and 27%, it usually contains very little nickel, if any at all. As a result of its lack of durability, ferritic is generally not produced independently. Instead, it is infused in other materials to strengthen them. Common uses for ferritic include aluminum and titanium. This material can then be used in jewelry or household items.
Martensitic stainless steel is highly durable, but not resistant to corrosion and rust. Martensitic generally contains 12%-14% chromium and less than 2% nickel. Even though it is a low nickel level, it is still highly durable because of its ability to be hardened by heat and machines. This is possible because of the high level of carbon. After martensitic is hardened it can be used for a variety of purposes including magnets, playground equipment, and sporting equipment.
Stainless steel has dominated the steel industry for years with its durability, rust resistance, and corrosion resistance. With the expansion of stainless steel into different types there is sure to be even more uses for it in the future and beyond.
Sources:
“Cutlery.” Wikipedia. 24 Mar. 2007. 29 Mar. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatware
“Stainless Steel.” Wikipedia. 28 Mar. 2007. 29 Mar 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel
“Martensite.” Wikipedia. 28 Mar. 2007. 29 Mar 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martensite
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