The chromium in the alloy creates a passive layer on oxidation when exposed to air. Stainless steel contains a minimum of 10.5% of chromium that improves its corrosion resistance and strength. Its distinguishing characteristic is the high amount of chromium.
The carbon percentage can range from 0.03% to 1.2%. The term stainless steel is used to describe a family of about 200 alloys of steel with remarkable heat and corrosion resistance properties. Stainless steels are a group of steels that are resistant to corrosion through the addition of alloying elements. We know that steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with a maximum carbon content of 2.1%.
