Common stainless steel is generally not resistant to corrosion by chemical media, whereas acid-resistant steel generally possesses corrosion resistance. The term "stainless steel" does not simply refer to a single type of stainless steel but indicates over one hundred industrial stainless steels. Each type of stainless steel is developed to perform well in its specific application field. The key to success is first determining the purpose and then identifying the correct steel grade. The steel types commonly used in construction and structural applications are typically only six. They all contain 17-22% chromium, with better grades also containing nickel. Adding molybdenum can further...EnhanceAtmospheric corrosivity, particularly resistance to corrosion in chloride-containing atmospheres.
Stainless steel is a shorthand for stainless acid-resistant steel. Steel that resists corrosion from air, steam, water, and other mild corrosive media or possesses corrosion resistance is classified as stainless steel; whereas, steel that resists corrosion from chemical agents (acids, alkalis, salts, etc.) is called acid-resistant steel. Due to their differences in chemical composition, their corrosion resistance varies. General stainless steel is typically not resistant to chemical medium corrosion, while acid-resistant steel generally possesses corrosion resistance.