Why is stainless steel corrosion resistant?
Stainless steel is a low carbon steel that contains 10% or more chromium by weight. Chromium gives the steel its anti-corrosion property by allowing the formulation of an invisible chromium-oxide film on its surface. When it comes into contact with oxygen, even in small quantities, this film self-repairs if damaged mechanically or chemically. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is enhanced by increasing chromium content and the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel and nitrogen.
