Introduction to the corrosion resistance of stainless steel plate

[guidebook] : While stainless steel plate removes surface stains more easily than other iron-based metals, just like standard steel, stainless steel plate can be marked by fingerprints...

While stainless steel plate removes surface stains more easily than other iron-based metals, just like standard steel, stainless steel plate can be marked by fingerprints and grease, develop discoloration, and eventually rust. The difference is resilience. Stainless steel can withstand more time and corrosion before showing signs of wear.

All steels have the same basic iron and carbon composition, but stainless steel sheet also contains a modest amount of the alloying element chromium, making stainless steel known for its corrosion resistance.

This is where things get complicated. There are many grades of stainless steel sheet that have different alloy compositions and therefore they have different physical properties.

Stainless steel sheet must contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Depending on the grade, some stainless steel sheets may also contain higher levels of chromium, as well as other alloying components such as molybdenum, nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper, nitrogen, phosphorus and selenium.

The two most common stainless steel sheet materials are 304 and 316. the key difference is the addition of molybdenum, an alloy that significantly improves corrosion resistance, especially in more salt- or chloride-exposed environments. 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, while 304 stainless steel sheet does not contain molybdenum.

For outdoor products such as railings and bollards, 304 stainless steel sheet is the most economical and practical choice for most applications. While it does not have the chloride resistance of 316, 316 stainless steel plate is slightly more expensive. It is valuable in areas with high chloride exposure, especially coastal areas and roads with severe salinity. Each type of stainless steel plate application has its own unique requirements, which require stainless steel plate to get the job done.

Corrosion is a natural phenomenon. Pure elements always react with their surroundings, which means that very few elements exist naturally in their pure form, and iron is no exception.

Under wet or humid conditions, iron reacts with oxygen in water to form iron oxide, also known as rust. The red flaky oxide tends to deteriorate, exposing and corroding more material. Iron and standard carbon steel are sensitive to this corrosion. Stainless steel sheets have the inherent property of producing a passivated layer to prevent corrosion.