Because stainless steel is alloyed with chromium, this metal has a much higher corrosion resistance than mild steel. The chrome in the stainless reacts with the oxygen in the air producing a natural ‘chromium oxide’ protective skin on the surface of the metal which means that as long as this layer is undamaged, the metal is naturally corrosion resistant. Different stainless steel grades contain different elements to make them more suitable for different environments, such as a marine environment. Mild steel on the other hand does not have this chromium oxide protective layer and so the iron present reacts with the moisture in the air to produce iron oxide or ‘rust’. Mild steel therefore requires further processing such as galvanising in order to give it a protective surface.
Want more information on stainless steel vs inconel? Click the link below to contact us.