How resistent is Stainless Steel?
Understanding stainless steel chemical resistance is crucial when selecting materials for corrosive environments. This comprehensive guide provides detailed corrosion resistance tables, helping you make informed decisions about stainless steel applications in various chemical conditions.
Stainless steel's exceptional corrosion resistance stems from its chromium content, which must be at least 10.5% to be classified as stainless steel. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a thin, invisible passive layer of chromium oxide on the steel's surface. This protective film is what gives stainless steel its renowned resistance to rust and corrosion.
The stainless steel corrosion resistance varies significantly depending on several key factors:
Stainless steel is the material of choice in numerous applications where corrosion resistance and durability are paramount:
Our stainless steel corrosion chart uses a standardised rating system to help you quickly assess chemical compatibility. The ratings are based on weight loss measurements and provide practical guidance for material selection.
| Level | Evaluation | Weight Loss (g/m²h) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Fully Resistant | < 0.1 | Excellent for long-term use |
| B | Virtually Resistant | 0.1 - 1.0 | Suitable for most applications |
| C | Less Resistant | 1.0 - 10 | Limited use, monitor closely |
| D | Not Resistant | > 10 | Not recommended |
This comprehensive corrosion resistance table shows how A2 (304) and A4 (316) stainless steel grades perform against various chemical agents. Use this data to select the appropriate grade for your specific application.
| Corrosive Agent | Concentration | Temperature | A2 (304) | A4 (316) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetone | Any | Any | A | A |
| Ethyl Ether | - | Any | A | A |
| Formic Acid | 10% | 20°C | A | A |
| Boiling | B | A | ||
| Ammonia | Any | 20°C | A | A |
| Boiling | A | A | ||
| Benzenes | - | Any | A | A |
| Benzoic Acid | Any | Any | A | A |
| Benzol | - | Any | A | A |
| Beer | - | Any | A | A |
| Hydrocyanic Acid | - | 20°C | A | A |
| Blood | - | 20°C | A | A |
| Binder Solution | - | 98°C | A | A |
| Chlorine | - | - | - | A |
| Dry Gas | 20°C | A | D | |
| Damp Gas | Any | D | - | |
| Chloroform | Any | Any | A | A |
| Chromic Acid | 10% Pure | 20°C | A | A |
| Boiling | C | B | ||
| 50% Pure | 20°C | B | B | |
| Boiling | D | D | ||
| Photographic Development Fluid | - | - | A | A |
| Acetic Acid (Vinegar) | 10% | 20°C | A | A |
| Boiling | A | A | ||
| Fatty Acids | - | - | A | A |
| Fruit Juices | - | Any | A | A |
| Tannic Acid | Any | Any | A | A |
| Glycerine | Concentrated | Any | A | A |
| Open Air | - | - | A | A |
| Potassium Permanganate | 10% | Any | A | A |
| Lime Milk | - | Any | A | A |
| Carbon Dioxide | - | - | A | A |
| Cupric Acetate | - | Any | A | A |
| Copper Nitrate | - | - | A | A |
| Copper Sulphate | Any | Any | A | A |
| Magnesium Sulphate | Approx 26% | Any | A | A |
| Sea Water | - | 20°C | A | A |
| Methyl Alcohol | Any | Any | A | A |
| Lactic Acid | 1.50% | Any | A | A |
| 10% | Any | A | A | |
| Boiling | C | A | ||
| Sodium Carbonate | Saturated | Any | A | A |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 20% | 20°C | A | A |
| 20% | Boiling | B | B | |
| 50% | 120°C | C | C | |
| Sodium Nitrate | - | - | A | A |
| Sodium Perchlorate | - | - | A | A |
| Sodium Sulphate | Saturated | Any | A | A |
| Oil (Mineral and Vegetable) | - | Any | A | A |
| Oxalic Acid | 10% | 20°C | B | A |
| Boiling | C | C | ||
| 50% | Boiling | D | C | |
| Petrol | Pure | Boiling | A | A |
| Phenol | Pure | Boiling | B | A |
| Phosphoric Acid | 10% | Boiling | A | A |
| 50% | 20°C | A | A | |
| Boiling | C | B | ||
| 80% | 20°C | B | A | |
| Boiling | D | C | ||
| Concentrated | 20°C | B | A | |
| Boiling | D | D | ||
| Mercury | - | Up to 50°C | A | A |
| Mercury Nitrate | - | - | A | A |
| Salicylic Acid | - | 20°C | A | A |
| Sulphuric Acid | 1.0% | Up to 70°C | B | A |
| Boiling | B | B | ||
| 2.5% | Up to 70°C | B | A | |
| Boiling | B | A | ||
| 5% | 20°C | C | C | |
| Boiling | C | B | ||
| 10% | 20°C | C | C | |
| 70°C | D | D | ||
| 60% | Any | D | D | |
| Sulphurous Acid | Watery Solution | 20°C | A | A |
| Sulphur Dioxide | - | 100°C - 500°C | C | A |
| 900°C | D | C | ||
| Tar | - | Any | A | A |
| Wine | - | Any | A | A |
| Tartaric Acid | <10% | 20°C | A | A |
| Boiling | B | A | ||
| >10% | 20°C | A | A | |
| <50% | Boiling | C | C | |
| 75% | Boiling | C | C |
Important Note: This stainless steel acid resistance data is based on laboratory testing under controlled conditions. Actual service conditions may vary due to impurities, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental factors. Always conduct specific testing for your application requirements.
Understanding the differences between A2 and A4 stainless steel grades is essential for selecting the right material for your application:
Several critical factors influence the performance of stainless steel in corrosive environments:
When choosing between A2 and A4 stainless steel, consider these application-specific factors:
To maximise the performance and longevity of your stainless steel components:
For more detailed information about different stainless steel grades and their properties, visit our comprehensive Guide to Stainless Steel Grades.
At Vital Parts, we offer an extensive range of high-quality stainless steel components designed to meet the demanding requirements of various industries. Our product portfolio includes:
All our stainless steel components are manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring excellent chemical resistance and long-term reliability in demanding applications.
Stainless steel is the ideal choice when you need materials that can withstand corrosive environments while maintaining structural integrity. It's particularly valuable in chemical processing, food production, marine applications, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and architectural projects where both performance and appearance matter. The self-healing properties of the chromium oxide layer make it essential for applications where maintenance access is limited or where contamination must be avoided.
Stainless steel's corrosion resistance comes from its chromium content, which must be at least 10.5%. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a thin, invisible passive layer of chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) on the steel's surface. This protective film is self-healing - if damaged, it automatically reforms when exposed to oxygen. Additional elements like nickel and molybdenum further enhance corrosion resistance, with molybdenum being particularly effective against chloride-induced corrosion.
Our stainless steel corrosion chart uses a simple A-D rating system based on weight loss measurements. 'A' ratings indicate excellent resistance with minimal material loss (<0.1 g/m²h), suitable for long-term exposure. 'B' ratings show good resistance for most applications. 'C' ratings indicate limited resistance requiring careful monitoring, while 'D' ratings mean the material is not suitable for that specific chemical environment.
A2 stainless steel (304 grade) contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it suitable for general applications and mild corrosive environments. A4 stainless steel (316 grade) contains additional molybdenum (2-3%), providing superior resistance to chlorides, acids, and marine environments. While A2 is more cost-effective, A4 is essential for harsh chemical environments and coastal applications.
Selecting the right stainless steel grade and components for your specific application requires expert knowledge of both material properties and environmental conditions. Our experienced team at Vital Parts understands the complexities of stainless steel chemical resistance and can help you make informed decisions that ensure long-term performance and cost-effectiveness.
Whether you're designing chemical processing equipment, marine structures, or food production facilities, we provide comprehensive support from initial material selection through to delivery of precision-manufactured components.
Understanding stainless steel chemical resistance is crucial for successful material selection in corrosive environments. This comprehensive corrosion resistance table provides essential data for comparing A2 and A4 stainless steel performance across numerous chemical agents. Remember that while laboratory data provides valuable guidance, real-world conditions may vary, making it important to consider all environmental factors and conduct application-specific testing when necessary.
The stainless steel corrosion resistance chart presented here, combined with proper material selection and design practices, will help ensure the longevity and reliability of your stainless steel components in even the most challenging chemical environments.
Our friendly Product Support Team are here to help, so please just give us a call if we can assist you with sourcing standard and custom parts.
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