Properties and Grades of Stainless Steel
– Stainless steel is a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content.
– It does not easily stain, corrode, or rust.
– Different grades and surface finishes are available for specific uses.
– Stainless steel has higher resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
– There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, with fifteen being the most commonly used.
– Stainless steel with less than 12% chromium is referred to as corrosion-resistant steel.
– Different grades of stainless steel contain varying amounts of different metals.
– Surface finishes and specific grades are chosen based on the intended use.
Development of Stainless Steel
– The concept of stainless steel was discovered in the 19th century.
– It took approximately 80 years to develop a reliable industrial method.
– French, British, and American inventors contributed to its development.
– The invention of modern stainless steel is credited to Harry Brearley in 1913.
– Brearley’s breakthrough took place in Sheffield, Yorkshire.
Applications of Stainless Steel
– Stainless steel is commonly used for cutlery production.
– It was a significant industry in mid-20th century Sheffield.
– Stainless steel is utilized in the construction of future space rockets.
– Notable examples include Starship and Terran R.
– Its applications extend to various industries, such as architecture and medicine.
Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel
– Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance makes it suitable for natural and man-made environments.
– The aviation industry often utilizes corrosion-resistant steel.
References
– ‘The stainless steel family’ (PDF) provides comprehensive information on stainless steel.
– The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) offers a steel glossary for reference.
– An archived article titled ‘Why is stainless steel stainless?’ explains the material’s properties.
– Stephen Evans’ article on BBC News highlights ten inventions, including stainless steel, influenced by World War One.
– Additional information can be found in the ‘Stainless steel – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia’ entry.Sources: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel
