Two items may possibly be made of steel, but that doesn’t mean both feature the same type of steel. There are various types of steel, with the most commonly used ones being carbon steel and stainless steel. These steels may be identical, but there are some characteristics that separate the two from each other.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is also known as inox steel and features a high resistance to staining that is caused by corrosion. Usually, when oxygen is exposed to iron-based metals like steel, a chemical transformation occurs, called oxidation making changes to their properties. The iron oxidizes and eventually turns the hard iron into iron oxide. And then, over some time, the red-brown metal oxidizes to an extent, when it completely perishes.
Stainless steel has been produced to withstand oxidization. It boasts of a chromium content of 10.5% by mass. It is significant since chromium, unlike iron, isn’t sensitive to oxidization. Chromium can be exposed to oxygen, keeping rust and corrosion at bay, making it an invaluable element in stainless steel. Stainless steel boasts of a protective layer of chromium that forms a fencing between environmental oxygen and the metal’s iron content, which helps keep it safe from corrosion.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is distinguished by a high carbon content. The American Iron and Steel Institute defines carbon steel be meeting certain requirements. The utilization of a high carbon content changes the features of steel. It also gets stronger and harder in nature. A lot of knives, swords, and sharp weapons are designed with the use of high-carbon steel.
Carbon steel tends to rust however, due to the absence of corrosion-resistant properties of its stainless steel rival. It is tougher and more durable than stainless steel, but carbon steel can rust and corrode if exposed to moisture. Moisture in any amount, even moisture vapor, can result in rusting of carbon steel. Carbon steel is also not as flexible as stainless steel.
Key points to note:
1) Carbon steel is high in carbon and can rust easily when exposed to moisture.
2) Stainless steel can be used for decorative products.
3) Stainless steel is not as durable and tough as carbon steel.
Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel
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