Stainless steels — Properties. Corrosion resistance

Depending on their chromium content (the minimum threshold is 10.5%) and the metallurgical treatments they have undergone, stainless steels have a wide range of chemical, physical and mechanical properties.

The passivity of these steels is of great importance, as it forms the basis of their corrosion resistance mechanism.

The complete study of the subject includes the articles :

• M 4 540-Stainless steels. Selection criteria and structure ;

• M 4 541-Stainless steels. Properties. Corrosion resistance (this article) ;

• M 4 542-Stainless steels. Application ;

• M 4 543-Stainless steels. Manufacture ;

• Doc. M 4 544-Stainless steels.