| MadSci Network: Engineering |
Dear Audrey; Just some definitions first. Stainless Steel means alloys with 70 - 90 % iron 12 - 20 Chromium 0.1 - 0.7 Carbon Usually plus other alloying elements such as Nickel, Molybdenum Chromed [chromium] steel refers to steels with any amount of added chromium. The addition of chromium to steel seems to have little effect on the resistance to corrosion [rusting] unless the Chromium content is at least 12 %. The strength is I believe little changed at this concentration. Remember that Rusting is a particular form of corrosion. Corrosion is a complex field in itself. Exactly what will this metal be used for? What will it be exposed to? This governs the choisce of alloys to be used. If you could answer these questions,maybe I could answer yours better. The large metal refining firms will be on the WWW. They will always be of help to students. Try www.INCO.com for example. Regards, Charlie Crutchfield
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