Does stainless steel rust? Get answers to this and other questions!

When investing in equipment, machinery, and cutlery items, one of the concerns for those making the investment is finding products that offer durability and easy maintenance, right? Composed of iron, carbon, chromium, and, in some cases, nickel, stainless steel stands out as a favorite when it comes to resistance.

Despite its name, which indicates stainless steel as non-oxidizable steel, there is still a common question about this topic. Does stainless steel rust? The answer is yes, but with great difficulty. Corrosion is essentially a process of advanced oxidation, which occurs due to the loss of electrons.

As one of the most resistant metals today, stainless steel remains one of the best steels for manufacturing knives, pocketknives, surgical instruments, and industrial and commercial machinery.

Therefore, despite being super resistant, it needs to be conserved and receive correct cleaning and maintenance to avoid the risk of oxidation. To understand more about how this process occurs, discover the main causes of oxidation, and what to do to prevent this problem, keep reading!

What differentiates common steel from stainless steel?

First and foremost, what is steel composed of? Basically, it's an alloy of iron and carbon, with a small carbon content. Thus, common steel rusts easily because it is predominantly made of iron.

The difference between common steel and stainless steel is that, in the case of stainless steel, in addition to iron, carbon, and nickel, there is a percentage of chromium added to the composition.

The chromium present in the composition of stainless steel coats the piece, forming a transparent and extremely thin film, called the passive layer. Thanks to it, the iron in this type of metal is protected against contact with water and oxygen, making oxidation difficult. This is why, in comparison, carbon steel rusts more frequently.

These properties make stainless steel the perfect option for crafting kitchen knives, barbecue knives, and other accessories.

How can stainless steel oxidize?

Corrosion or oxidation is a process of metal deterioration caused by the interaction between natural intermediaries such as oxygen, which is present both in the air and in atoms on the steel surface. In cases where metals contain iron, the result of the reaction is iron oxide, also called "rust."

Thus, there are some products and conditions that can corrupt and wear down the passive chromium layer in stainless steel, causing small fissures that allow greater contact of oxygen with the iron, leading to oxidation spots.

What to do to prevent stainless steel from rusting?

In addition to maintenance through constant cleaning of the pieces, to ensure that stainless steel does not rust, it is important to prevent chemical products such as chlorine – which can penetrate through the protective layer formed by chromium – from coming into contact with the equipment. Therefore, avoid cleaning these products with bleach, for example.

Contact between two different metals in environments that transmit electricity can also lead to corrosion. In the case of stainless steel, direct contact with aluminum should be avoided. For this, an insulating material can be added between them.

Another point that favors and promotes corrosion is the presence and accumulation of bacteria. After all, they are capable of causing a metabolic result that consumes stainless steel. Thus, the best form of prevention is cleaning. And for it to be done correctly, and without risk of damage, it is ideal to use water and neutral soap.

Check below everything that should be avoided so that stainless steel does not rust, in summary:

• sterilizing solutions and abrasives, such as scouring powders or polishes;
• acidic and chemical products;
• salt combined with high temperatures;
• bacterial proliferation;
• dust and dirt;
• contact with common steel and aluminum (especially in humid conditions).

Furthermore, it is very important to know and trust the suppliers of the material you are acquiring!

What is the best type of stainless steel?

There are different types of stainless steel, and some of them are more susceptible to rust than others. Two of the most resistant that we could highlight are AISI 420 or 440C steels. But regardless of the type, every machine, knife, or structure needs to be conserved to avoid damage and corrosion.

What are the advantages of stainless steel?

As we have seen, the metal alloy that makes up stainless steel can indeed oxidize due to lack of maintenance or contact with bacteria and corrosive agents. However, when it comes to physical damage to the piece, the risk of stainless steel being corrupted is lower compared to any other ferrous material.

Therefore, when we talk about the advantages of stainless steel, it continues to stand out! It is no wonder that it is so common to find it in different objects that fulfill the most diverse functions in our daily lives. The greatest benefits we can still highlight are:

• high durability;
• simple cleaning and sanitization;
• allows recycling;
• temperature resistant;
• water resistant;
• low maintenance cost;
• adds a modern look.

Thus, by observing what causes the oxidation process, the most resistant types of stainless steel, and their advantages, we conclude that stainless steel is undeniably a very resistant metal. Even so, it is very important to take proper care of its maintenance to ensure the long durability of your utensil or equipment.

Did you like the content? For more information, tips, and news about the world of cutlery and this sharp lifestyle, continue following the blog posts! Take the opportunity to check out our post what are the best types of steel for cutlery?