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We all know that stainless steel is ideal for resisting corrosion and oxidation. Stainless steel can show a perfect appearance by polishing, and thus is very popular in many industries that used in construction or large enterprises such as chemical and petroleum to do the structural support of equipment. Is stainless steel still resistant to corrosion and oxidation when exposed to moisture, or will it become dull and discolored?
All metals will eventually become dull or corrode over time, but stainless steel will not rust due to the chromium in the metal which forms a protective layer on the surface. The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen to form a chromium film, which causes the stainless steel to slowly lose its luster. This process is slow, especially in industries such as construction, mining, and medical, due to the small amount of chromium in stainless steel.
What type of stainless steel is prone to discoloration?
Different types of stainless steel have varying levels of resistance to discoloration, depending on the minerals they contain. Products made of 316L stainless steel contain high levels of iron, chromium, nickel, manganese, and carbon, and may discolor more quickly than 304L stainless steel, which has a higher nickel content. However, 316L stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion due to its higher chromium content.
From the differences, you can choose the suitable steel for your environment.
Authentic stainless steel
Austenitic stainless steel is characterized by its high chromium content, which makes it resistant to corrosion, staining, and dulling. It is also non-magnetic, although it can become magnetic through cold forming. Examples of its use include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Ferritic Stainless Steel
Items made from this type of stainless steel alloy can be strengthened through cold working and are usually more affordable than other alloys due to their lower nickel content, and they are also magnetic.
Martensite stainless steel
Martensite stainless steel is used for applications that require high strength or impact resistance, and is often combined with a protective coating to enhance corrosion resistance. This type of stainless steel alloy is the least common and contains a high amount of nickel to improve its form-ability, weld-ability, and ductility.
This article give a roughly explanation about whether stainless steel will be corroded or discolored. And our next article will provide an overview of the reasons why stainless steel discoloration and methods to clean stainless steel products.
