Description
Any of several corrosion-resistant chromium-alloyed steels. Austenitic stainless steels, developed by E. Maurer of Germany in 1909, contain about 12-18% chromium and 5-8% nickel. These alloys harden by cold working and are most often used for structural work. In 1911, C. Dantsizen of Germany developed ferritic stainless steel. This low carbon chrome alloy was used for turbine blades. It contains about 10.5-27% chromium with small amounts of molybdenum, aluminum, titanium, or nickel. In 1913, martensitic stainless steels were discovered by H. Brearley of England. Containing 11-18% chromium with about 0.35% carbon, they are used for cutlery and munitions. Stainless steel can be polished to a high shine either mechanically or by an electrolytic process. It is hardened by cold working and is resistant to heat. From 1930s to 50s, stainless steel was popularly used for exterior and interior construction and decoration (dome of the Chrysler building, countertops, soda fountains, automobiles, stoves). Later, it was commonly used for framing, hardware, roofing, gutters, screws and nails. Various stainless steels may contain small amounts or other additives such as nickel, columbium, molybdenum, phosphorus, selenium, silicon, sulfur, titanium, and zirconium.
Synonyms and Related Terms
inox; Allegheny metal; Ascoloy; Enduro; Nirostametal; Rigid-Tex; chromium steel; rustfrit stål (Dan.); Edelstahl (Deut.); acero inoxidable (Esp.); acier inoxydable (Fr.); acciaio inox (It.); roestvast staal (Ned.); stal nierdzewna (Pol.); aço inoxidável (Port.); aço inox (Port.); rostfritt stål (Sven.)
Other Properties
Attacked by hydrochloric acid.
Forms a transparent protective layer of chromium oxide in air.
Hazards and Safety
Welding can cause the depletion of chromium in heated areas (blue halo) leaving them susceptible to corrosion. Galvanic corrosion can occur in contact with lead, nickel, copper and graphite.
Additional Information
R. Score, I. Cohen, "Stainless Steel", in Twentieth-Century Building Materials, T. Jester (ed.), McGraw-Hill: New York, 1995.
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Last updated on: 6/28/2009 11:40:30 AM
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