Stainless steel is an alloy

Stainless steel: this is an alloy
Stainless steel is an amazing material that we see everywhere, from kitchen knives to spacecraft. But what makes her so unique? The secret lies in its composition, namely in a special alloy.
What is an alloy and why is it needed?
Alloy is a combination of several metals created to improve the properties of the initial components. Imagine that you have gold and silver. Having mixed them in certain proportions, you will receive an alloy that will have new properties - for example, more durable or more beautiful. So with stainless steel.
The main ingredient: Chrome
The key element in stainless steel is chrome. It forms a thin, but very strong protective film on the surface. This film, consisting of chromium oxide, protects steel from corrosion, that is, from rust. It is this property that makes stainless steel so resistant to moisture, acids and other aggressive environments. Without chrome, steel would easily be covered with rust, making it unsuitable for many applications. Of course, there are other additives, such as nickel or molybdenum, which affect the properties of steel depending on the specific application. Their use makes steel more durable, plastic or resistant to high temperatures.
Why is stainless steel so in demand?
Incredible resistance to corrosion makes stainless steel indispensable in different fields. Imagine kitchen tools that do not rust! Or pipes that are not destroyed under the influence of water! Stainless steel is widely used in construction, food industry, medicine and other areas where it is important to maintain strength and durability. Due to its strength and resistance to corrosion, stainless steel has found application even in extreme conditions, for example, in the production of spacecraft. Thanks to its unique alloy properties, this material plays an important role in the modern world.