Stainless steel is widely used today because of its excellent resistance to rust and its high-quality structure. The elements in its composition play a major role in this popularity. One of them, chromium, is what gives the steel its stainless property. Alongside chromium, elements such as nickel and carbon provide corrosion resistance.

Chromium alone may seem sufficient to keep steel from rusting, but under harsh conditions it cannot always maintain that stability. This is where nickel and molybdenum come in. These elements make the steel much harder to corrode, ensuring good results in demanding environments.

There are many varieties of stainless steel, and it is the application that determines which is needed. The steel required on a construction site differs from that needed in an industrial plant, and those differences are defined by the elements in the steel's composition. The proportions of these elements vary from one steel to another. For example, there are clearly noticeable differences between a grade 303 and a grade 316 steel, yet both are stainless. Likewise, corrosion resistance is a property shared by all stainless steels.

Alloying Elements in Stainless Steel

Chromium

Chromium is essential for stainless steel to acquire its stainless property. When it comes into contact with oxygen, chromium forms an oxide layer on the surface of the product. This layer prevents the steel from reacting with oxygen, making the product resistant to rust. The more chromium is added to the steel, the more resistant it becomes to corrosion.

Nickel

Nickel, a necessary component of the steel, reduces the cost of the steel by approximately 90 percent. When nickel is added, it combines with chromium to give the steel a stronger structure. Nickel also makes the steel easier to work.

Carbon

Carbon is the element that gives steel its hardness. Increasing the hardness of the steel makes it more durable, so it follows that a higher carbon content produces a more durable product. Carbon also makes the steel easier to work.