Chapter 8 - Stainless Steels

Abstract

Stainless steels are iron base alloys that contain a minimum of approximately 11% chromium (Cr). This is important for creating a passivating layer of chromium-rich oxide to prevent rusting on the surface. Several stainless steel grades are produced to address specific environmental demands that they are expected to withstand. The corrosion resistance and corrosion properties of stainless steel are briefly discussed in this chapter. Stainless steel production involves a series of processes. The semi-finished steel goes through forming operations, beginning with hot rolling, in which the steel is heated and passed through a series of rolls where the blooms and billets are formed into bars and wires. After the stainless steel in its various forms is packed and shipped to the fabricator or end user, a variety of secondary processes are needed to make it useful for specific services. There are a variety of methods for joining stainless steel, welding being the most common. Several variations of fusion and resistance welding processes can be used. Most of the alloys are developed to serve in a specific type of environment and resistance to corrosion is one of them.