Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a group of iron-based alloys that contain a minimum of approximately 11% chromium, a composition that prevents the iron from rusting and provides heat-resistant properties. Different types of stainless steel include the elements carbon (from 0.03% to greater than 1.00%), nitrogen, aluminium, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, and nickel for enhanced formability, increased corrosion resistance, and added strength.

History[edit | edit source]

Harry Brearley of the Brown-Firth research laboratory in Sheffield, England, is most commonly credited as the inventor of stainless steel. In 1913, while seeking a corrosion-resistant alloy for gun barrels, Brearley discovered and subsequently industrialized a martensitic stainless steel alloy. The discovery was announced two years later in a January 1915 newspaper article in The New York Times.

Properties[edit | edit source]

Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance, and familiar luster make it an ideal material for many applications where both the strength of steel and corrosion resistance are required. Moreover, stainless steel can be rolled into sheets, plates, bars, wire, and tubing.

Types[edit | edit source]

There are various grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to suit the environment to which the material will be subjected in its lifetime. Common uses of stainless steel are cutlery and watch straps.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Stainless steel is used in a range of applications in the architectural, industrial, chemical, oil and gas, and food and drink sectors.

Environmental impact[edit | edit source]

Like all materials, stainless steel has environmental impacts. The production process for stainless steel includes large amounts of energy and raw materials. The production process also uses potentially harmful substances.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

World Stainless Steel Association

Stainless steel Resources
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