When we talk about materials that have a wide range of applications in the construction industry, homes, electricity and construction, one material that comes to mind is stainless steel. There is no doubt that stainless steel has many applications in the modern world. However, there are many things people don't know. It can be said that there are many tableware made of stainless steel. However, little is known about the different types of stainless steel used to make many of the products people use.

What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is an iron alloy that has a minimum Chromium content of 10.5 per cent. The Chromium content produces a thin chromium oxide film on the steel's surface called a passivation layer.  This layer prevents corrosion from occurring on the steel surface;  the greater the amount of Chromium in the steel, the greater the corrosion resistance. The steel also contains varied amounts of other elements such as Carbon, Silicon and Manganese.  Other elements can be added to increase corrosion resistance (Nickel) and formability (Molybdenum).

Unlike what most people know, stainless steel is not a single entity. Rather, it is a single broad entity that encompasses many things. Stainless steel is an alloy containing at least 11% chromium. Thanks to this composition, stainless steel does not rust and is heat resistant. Depending on the type of stainless steel, you can also add other elements such as carbon (0.03-1.00%), nitrogen, silicon, sulfur, niobium and molybdenum.

Properties of stainless steel

· Corrosion resistance

This is why most people use stainless steel to make their products. Anti-corrosion properties make products made of stainless steel last longer.

· Strength

Products made of stainless steel have enormous tensile strength. Therefore, they can support enormous weight. Depending on the type of stainless steel, you can use stainless steel with higher tensile strength, which means it can support more weight.

· Temperature resistance

Stainless steel has high temperature resistance depending on the type. Although it will melt later, it absorbs a lot of heat before melting.

Applications of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has a wide range of applications mainly based on its anti-rust and anti-fouling properties. Here are some of its main applications.

· Kitchenware

This is one of the most popular applications of stainless steel. Almost every household has at least one set of tableware or kitchenware made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is the material used to make many kitchen utensils because it does not get dirty easily. As such, it excels in terms of aesthetics and performance.

· Medical equipment

Due to its rust- and stain-resistant properties, stainless steel is used in the manufacture of medical devices. It is antimicrobial and does not react with many cleaning solutions; therefore, it is easy to clean and disinfect. It is used to make products such as hemostats, surgical implants, temporary crowns, and more.

· Food and catering

Stainless steel is used in the manufacture of products used in food and catering as it does not affect the properties of the food. It's also ideal because of its antiseptic and easy-to-clean properties that keep microbes out.

· Vehicles     

Stainless steel is a part of many vehicles for its rust resistance and other properties. For example, it is used to make cars and trains due to its rust resistance. Combined with its lightweight properties, it is an essential part of aircraft construction.