![]() ![]() Unlike rust, tea staining does not pose any risk to the structural integrity of the steel, but it is very unsightly. It also occurs on roadsides because of salt spreading in winter. Tea staining is primarily caused by exposure to salt, and therefore is a problem to be aware of anywhere up to 20kms inland from the coast given the constant salt content in the air. ![]() This is because in most corrosion cases, the type of corrosion is called tea staining, which is a brown discolouration on the surface. ![]() When we come across a case of corroded stainless steel, the first thing we check is always the location. The effect of Location on stainless steel corrosion: If the chromium content is below 12%, the protective chromium oxide layer will not form. Therefore, with stainless steel the chromium oxide layer seals the iron content in the steel off from oxygen, giving the rust protection properties associated with stainless steel. With carbon steel, the iron content in the steel would react with oxygen to form an iron oxide layer, which is commonly known as rust. It is this chromium, not present in carbon steel, that is crucial to giving stainless steel its rust protection.Ĭhromium works by reacting with oxygen in the air to produce a thin protective chromium oxide layer on the surface of the stainless steel. How does stainless steel protect against rust?Īll stainless steel has at least 12% chromium content. In most environments, particularly indoors, it is corrosion free but it if exposed to highly corrosive elements such as chlorine, it will corrode albeit at a slower rate than carbon steel. Stainless steel is best described as corrosion resistant rather than corrosion free. Surely, as its name suggests, stainless steel should not corrode? Therefore, when external stainless steel architectural fittings, such as planter edging, corrodes it creates problems and confusion. Stainless steel is supposedly impervious to discolouration, tarnishing and rusting. ![]()
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