What is the role of chromium in stainless steel?

Knowledge / 2020-06-05 15:43:12

The role of chromium in stainless steel is to enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
 
The main alloy element in stainless steel is Cr (chromium). Only when the Cr content reaches a certain value, the steel has corrosion resistance. Therefore, the general Cr (chromium) content of stainless steel is at least 10.5%. When the number of chromium atoms in the steel is not less than 12.5%, the electrode potential of the steel can be abruptly changed from negative potential to positive electrode potential to prevent electrochemical corrosion.
 
Stainless steel is the abbreviation of stainless acid-resistant steel, and it is resistant to weak corrosive media such as air, steam, water or stainless steel. The term "stainless steel" does not simply refer to one type of stainless steel, but refers to more than one hundred types of industrial stainless steel.
 
And there are usually only six types of steel related to the application of building construction. They all contain 17-22% chromium, and the better steel grades also contain nickel. The addition of molybdenum can further improve atmospheric corrosion, especially resistance to chloride-containing atmospheres. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel depends on the alloying elements contained in the steel.

What is the role of chromium in stainless steel?