Since its debut in the
early 20th century, stainless steel has become the quintessential
metal for a vast range of functions. It's basically steel with a form
of protection, particularly from rusting. Stainless
steel tools and storage, however, wouldn't have been possible if
it weren't for trial and error. Before the 10.5 percent chromium
requirement, scientists had to test different ratios to determine the
best mix for this modern-age material.
Most
initial batches of stainless steel failed because the scientists
failed to understand one important thing. For stainless steel to
retain its strength and rust resistance, it has to have a low carbon
content, which wasn't considered until the late 1800s. French
scientists J.B. Boussingalt and Alme Brustlein realized the
importance of keeping the carbon content low, around 0.15 percent,
allowing the steel to be shaped into different forms.
By the early 1900s,
German scientists P. Monnartz and W. Borchers recognized the
importance of adding chromium to the mix, at least 10.5 percent of
it. They also tested the feasibility of other metals such as
molybdenum in corrosion resistance, paving the way for different
stainless steel compositions. Decades of trial and error helped
develop stainless steel to what it is today. From shelves to
structural frames, it has stood the test of time and will continue to
do so in the foreseeable future.
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