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Is Stainless Steel 100% Corrosion Proof?

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Stainless steel has been used widely in many areas and industries due to its unique properties and advantages. One of the biggest advantages with stainless steel is excellent corrosion-resistant properties. The reason why items like kitchen sinks, razor blades are made of stainless steel is that they will not corrode when exposed to moisture, heat and other external elements. Most people strongly believe that stainless steel will not corrode. But the fact is that, generally, stainless steel is not 100% corrosion free or corrosion-proof and they can corrode in highly aggressive conditions. Now let us see what are the factors that can cause steel to corrode.
Pitting corrosion is a type of corrosion that happens when the stainless steel is exposed to certain environment, most particularly chlorides. This type of corrosion is not so dangerous and the damages are usually negligible.
Crevice corrosion is a type of corrosion that is caused due to extremely low oxygen level in the environment. The extend of the damage depends on the angle and size of the crevice.
Bimetallic corrosion is a type of corrosion that happens when the two different metals come in contact in a common electrolyte (such as condensation, rain). This type of corrosion is hard to predict as such situation is caused by various factors.
In order to prevent the risk due to corrosion of stainless steel, one can use the highly alloyed stainless steel. There are many types of steel available and you should according to the condition.

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What are The Types of Stainless Steel?

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Though we all know the advantages and benefits of stainless steel, most of us are not aware of its types. There are different types of stainless steel and they are used in different applications. Now let us briefly look into the types of stainless steel and their specialties.
Austenitic steels are most commonly used steel nowadays. Also called as 300 series, Austenitic stainless steel is made of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. In addition to this, other elements like nitrogen and manganese are also added. This type of stainless steel is highly corrosion resistance and can made into wires or made into thin sheet by hammering. They work good in low and high temperature. This type of stainless steel is used for making kitchen sinks, food processing equipment, chemical equipment, etc.
Martensitic steel is the first commercial produced steel. This type of stainless steel has high carbon content than its counterparts. In those days, this type of steel is used to make cutlery. In addition to corrosion resistance properties, this type of steel is much durable and strong than Austenitic steels. At present, these steels are used to manufacture pins, knife blades, spindles and surgical instruments.
Ferritic steels, also called as 400 series, has excellent corrosion resistant properties that they can be used safely in sea water. Ferritic steels are used in manufacturing washing machines and boilers.
Duplex stainless steel is made by fusing the basic components of ferritic steel and austenitic steel. Duplex stainless steel are used to make machinery and tools.
Precipitation hardening is basically a austenitic steel at initial stage and is converted by adding other elements. The main advantage of this type of steel is that they are strong, durable and can also be easily made into any shapes.