When choosing a corrosion-resistant spring material, we usually consider stainless steel springs, which is an important factor, and this article explains this part of stainless steel materials.
1: Stainless steel is a modern material with 60 years of development.
Since its invention at the turn of the century, stainless steel has blended the image of a modern material with a reputation for excellence in construction applications that is the envy of its competitors.
As long as the steel grade is selected correctly, processed properly, and maintained properly, stainless steel will not develop corrosion, pitting, rust or wear. Stainless steel is also one of the strongest materials in the construction of metals. Due to the good corrosion resistance of stainless steel, structural components can be permanently maintained in the integrity of the engineering design. Chromium stainless steel also combines mechanical strength and high ductility for easy machining and fabrication of components to meet the needs of architects and structural designers.
The key to the success of stainless steel in the building, construction, structure and other industries is its good corrosion resistance.
2: Why is stainless steel corrosion resistant?
All metals react with oxygen in the atmosphere and form an oxide film on the surface. Unfortunately, the iron oxide formed on regular carbon steel continues to oxidize, allowing the corrosion to expand and eventually form holes. Carbon steel surfaces can be plated with paint or oxide-resistant metals such as zinc, nickel, chromium, but as people know, this protection is only a thin film. If the protective layer is damaged, the steel underneath will start to rust.
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel depends on chromium, but since chromium is a part of steel, the method of protection is different.
When the chromium addition reaches 10.5%, the atmospheric corrosion resistance of the steel is significantly improved, but when the chromium content is high, although the corrosion resistance can still be improved, it is not obvious. The reason is that when steel is alloyed with chromium, the type of surface oxide becomes a surface oxide formed by pure chromium metal. This tightly adhered chromium-rich oxide protects the surface against further oxidation. This oxide layer is thin. Through it, we can see the natural luster of the steel surface, giving the stainless steel a unique surface. In addition, if the surface is damaged, the exposed steel surface will repair itself by reacting with the atmosphere, reforming this "passivation film" and continuing to play a protective role.
Therefore, all stainless steels have a common feature, which is that the chromium content is above 10.5%.
To sum up, stainless steel springs have good corrosion resistance, therefore, stainless steel springs are more and more used in daily life!
