I keep hearing the phrase ‘stainless steel’ and I’m still not sure why it’s such a selling point compared to regular steel. Is it just for aesthetic purposes?
In: Technology
Normal steel is essentially carbon added to iron, which makes it hard and strong. Strong as in it has high tensile strength.
Stainless steel has a relatively high chromium content in addition to iron and carbon. The chromium forms a layer at the surface, and since chromium is a relatively more inert metal (i.e., less reactive) it doesn’t react as readily with oxygen and other corrosive agents in the environment. Hence, it doesn’t rust as easily (hence stainless) and lasts longer.
Edit:- Chromium is more reactive than iron, but the oxide it forms can protect the bulk material from further oxidation, as opposed to iron oxide which is permeable. Thanks to u/SoulWager for correcting me
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