May 18, 2025
Science

How come the stainless steel we have been using since ancient times doesn’t rust?

  • July 17, 2024
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Steel has been one of mankind’s most important metals for thousands of years. Even today in many areas of our daily lives, We use products made of steel.

Steel has been one of mankind’s most important metals for thousands of years. Even today in many areas of our daily lives, We use products made of steel.

However, there is a problem that has been known since ancient times: When steel is exposed to moisture It rusts quickly. How does steel, such a widely used metal, become rust-free?

Steel is a metal produced in Anatolia about 4,000 years ago and also used by the Romans.

Early civilizations steel, in many areas, such as weapons, tools and construction they used. But steel had a disadvantage: it was extremely susceptible to rust.

Iron is inherently vulnerable to corrosion. Rust is a compound formed by the reaction of iron, oxygen and water. This red oxide causes iron to break down over time. completely rusted and disintegrated causes.

Water molecules penetrate through the surface of the iron and micro cracks in metal, allow water to penetrate. Hydrogen atoms in the water combine with molecules in the metal, and as the process continues, more metal is exposed. This corrosion occurs much faster in the presence of salt water.

Stainless steel was developed nearly a century ago as a corrosion-resistant metal.

Metal, almost Contains 10.5% chromium and this alloy makes it resistant to rust. Scientists discovered the corrosion-resistant properties of iron-chromium alloys in the 1820s. However, it took years to find the right ratio of carbon and chromium.

Stainless steel prevents corrosion by interacting with its environment. The chromium and molybdenum in the alloy, together with the oxygen in air or water, form a thin but a stable metal oxide film creates.

The film is on the surface of the metal protective layer Thus, it prevents the interaction of iron with water and oxygen.

When the surface is scratched or damaged, the exposed inner layer reacts quickly with air or water A new protective layer is created. Therefore, stainless steel has a self-healing property.

Sources: Scientific American, ONEMONROE

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