Stainless steel is a very diverse material used in many applications. It is used in construction for its strength and energy absorption characteristics and its corrosion resistance. But why does stainless steel not rust? Let’s find out!

Stainless steel does not rust because of the interaction between its alloy elements and the environment. It contains iron, chromium, manganese, silicon, carbon, and in most cases, fair amounts of nickel and molybdenum. These elements react with oxygen from water and air and form a thin but stable film consisting of corrosion products such as metal oxides and hydroxides. Chromium also plays an important and main role in reacting with the oxygen to form this film. Stainless steels contain at least ten percent chromium.

The presence of this film prevents further corrosion because it acts as a barrier limiting the access of oxygen and water to the underlying surface. Since the film forms so tightly, only a few atomic layers reduce the rate of corrosion to extremely low levels.

While the steel may be corroded on the atomic level, it still appears stainless steel. Inexpensive steel reacts with oxygen from water and forms a slightly unstable iron oxide/hydroxide film. This continues to grow with time and exposure to air and water. This film is also known as rust and achieves sufficient thickness making it easily observable soon after exposure to air and water.

So basically, stainless steel doesn’t rust because it is reactive to protect itself from further attack. Other metals like titanium and aluminum also rely on passive film formation for corrosive resistance. Stainless steel is used widely in items from utensils to kitchen sinks because of this durability and it is why it is such a highly used material all over the world.

Interested in purchasing KAMA products?

Questions?

Contact Us @ 865-671-7682