Common stainless steel is generally not resistant to corrosion by chemical media, while acid-resistant steel generally possesses corrosion resistance. The term "stainless steel" does not simply refer to one type of stainless steel, but indicates over a hundred industrial stainless steels, each developed with excellent performance in its specific application field. The key to success is first to determine the purpose, and then to select the correct steel grade. The steel types commonly used in architectural and construction applications typically consist of only six varieties. They all contain 17-22% chromium, with better grades also containing nickel. Adding molybdenum can further...EnhanceAtmospheric corrosiveness, particularly resistance to corrosion in chloride-containing atmospheres.
Stainless steel is a shorthand for acid-resistant steel, referring to steel grades that resist corrosion from air, steam, water, and other mild corrosive media, or steel grades with inherent corrosion resistance. In contrast, steel that withstands corrosion from chemical agents (acids, alkalis, salts, etc.) is called acid-resistant steel. Due to their differences in chemical composition, the corrosion resistance of the two types varies; common stainless steel is generally not resistant to chemical corrosion, whereas acid-resistant steel typically possesses corrosion resistance.