Understanding stainless steel: it was not until 1910 that the first industrial production were conducted. Stainless steels are recognized for their outstanding corrosion resistance, aesthetics, sustainability of their surface and consequently their life.
The first observations of the properties of stainless chromium alloy iron were made in 1821 by Berthier. L. Guillet in 1909 published a study on stainless steel or chrome-nickel austenitic stainless steels thus completing the three classification criteria based on their structure: martensitic (13% Cr) – ferritic (17% Cr) and austenitic (18% Cr – 8% Ni).
Among the corrosion resistant alloys, stainless steels (stainless in English, German Rostfrei) occupy a prominent position vis-à-vis a number of aggressive environments thanks to the phenomenon of passivity. Indeed stainless steels have the ability to protect their environment by forming a very thin film – passive layer or passive film – highly secured to the base metal, which prevents contact between metal and more or less agents the aggressive environment.
For this phenomenon of passivity can be established and maintained it is necessary that the iron-chromium alloy has a minimum chromium content of about 11%. This layer has the ability to recover naturally if it is accidentally damaged.
