Stainless steel is a form of steel containing chromium that is resistant to tarnishing and rust. It has been a material that has been a staple in many kitchens across the country. Stainless steel appliances have a look that is timeless and modern which improves the aesthetic of a home. Not only are stainless steel appliances aesthetically pleasing, but they are functional and practical as well. The material does not easily corrode, rust, or stain when coming into contact with water. Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion, staining, low maintenance, and familiar luster make it an ideal material for many applications across different industries.
Buildings use stainless steel for practical and aesthetic reasons because during the art deco period the most famous example of this was the top of the Chrysler building located in New York City. The entire top of the building is entirely made of stainless steel, and because of the strength and durability of the material many buildings like the Chrysler building still have their original facade. Stainless steel is used in many construction projects theses days because the material is so durable, and the fact that the material is weldable enough to be molded into aesthetically pleasing shapes and sizes makes this material perfect for architecture.
“SSti-Flex 1650”
“SS-Flex 800”
Also, stainless steel is used in bridges, monuments, and automotive bodies. Many artist have chosen to use the material because of how long it lasts in different environments and its ability to not corrode or rust; the fact that the material can also be easily shaped into various shapes and sizes, makes it an ideal material for artist use. Automotive companies found out that using traditional steel could not be molded and shaped without being cracked; therefore stainless steel was the best fit because of its chemical composition and ability to be malleable. There are more than 150 different grades of stainless steel, of which 15 are most commonly used.
“Stainless steels have good strength and good resistance to corrosion and oxidation at elevated temperatures. Stainless steels are used at temperatures up to 1700° F for 304 and 316 and up to 2000 F for the high temperature stainless grade 309(S) and up to 2100° F for 310(S)” (www.ssina.com/composition/temperature.html). Due to its high resistance to high temperatures, this material can withstand a lot of different types of environments and is perfect for many different applications.
Stainless steel is highly resistant to many different types of materials and chemical components. Corrosion resistance is a big property for stainless steel, but when put in a non-oxygenated environment it is adversely affected.
Stainless steel is highly resistant to many types of acids, but it depends on the concentration of the acid when it comes into contact with the material, also the temperature of the acid plays a factor. Weaker bases also don’t affect stainless steel, such as ammonium hydroxide, even at extremely high temperatures and extremely high concentrations.
Overall this material is durable, malleable, and resistant to most things, making it an excellent candidate for different industries. Artists, factories, and contractors use the material to make sure that their creations last as long as they possibly can. Because of the chemical properties of stainless steel, the material is an ideal candidate for many applications.