Top 10 applications of stainless steel in modern life
BlogDate: 19-02-2024 by: Ngoc Cam
Stainless steel stands out for its durability, 100% recyclability, corrosion resistance, mechanical performance and ease of maintenance, making it an ideal material for many applications in life. You can find stainless steel in tiny kitchen appliances to the biggest skyscrapers. Currently, there are more than 150 types of stainless steel but only 15 are widely used in daily applications.
1. Food and catering
Stainless steel is a familiar material in many kitchen utensils. Thanks to its good corrosion resistance, high durability and safety for users, stainless steel is often made into stoves, grills, pots and pans,... Currently, stainless steel is also used as a finishing layer for refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers,...
2. Offshore technology
Stainless steel's corrosion resistance in both coastal and high-salinity marine environments makes it suitable for offshore applications. In particular, Austenitic stainless steel containing 6% Molybdenum can be permanently immersed in seawater. There are many applications of stainless steel in the offshore industry, for example:
- Submersible components: Oil pipes and grids, heat exchangers for ships, coastal power plants, ship hull accessories,...
- Platform structure components: Pumps, tanks, rebars, cable trays, stairs, walkways, oil and gas coolers,...
- Parts and details on boat and ship such as deck eyes, anchor rope brackets, shackles,...
3. Desalination plants
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, nickel, chromium, molybdenum and many other elements that give it excellent durability and corrosion resistance. It accounts for 20-30% of equipment in desalination plants. Chromium forms a “passive” layer on the surface of stainless steel, protecting it from chemical reactions and environmental factors that lead to corrosion. This layer also enhances stainless steel's resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and many common problems in marine environments. The most common stainless steel grades in desalination plants are 304L, 316L and duplex grades 2205 and 2507.
4. Chemical industry
Chemical mills contain dangerous acids and oxidants that can cause extremely serious damage to common metals. Meanwhile, in addition to standard corrosion resistance, stainless steel is also resistant to stress corrosion cracking and galvanic corrosion. Some other alloys also have good durability and can withstand high temperatures in harsh environments such as the oil and gas industry. That's why stainless steel is a preferred choice for chemical storage tanks, pumps, and pipelines.
5. Bridges
The excellent properties of stainless steel play an important role in long-span bridge applications, highway bridges, pedestrian bridges and even railway bridges. The use of stainless steel is increasingly popular due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Initially, stainless steel was mainly used in safety parts such as handrails and railings. In recent years, they have also been made into floor structures and suspension systems.
6. Storage tanks
Stainless steel, with higher durability compared to concrete, plastic and carbon steel, possesses oxidation from water and biocides. These characteristics make it ideal for water and food storage tanks. Additionally, stainless steel tanks are highly resistant to crevice corrosion and cavitation.
7. Civil engineering
Stainless steel has long been popular in construction because of its advantages of durability, toughness, aesthetics and longevity. Typical applications of Austenitic and Duplex stainless steel are load-bearing components, beams, columns, supports, seawalls, ... In addition, stainless steel can also be shaped through cold forming, extrusion or laser fusion to produce bolts, screws and structural steel.
8. Power plants
Stainless steel is one of the metals with high applications in the electrical and energy industry. The chromium oxide film on the surface protects the steel from corrosion and self-heals after scratches. Another characteristic that makes stainless steel suitable for the power plants is its ability to transfer heat and withstand high temperatures and pressures. That is why stainless steel is often used in heat exchangers, pressure tubes, transformer enclosures,…
9. Shipbuilding industry
Basically, a ship built with aluminum alloy will be 60% lighter than steel and is more resistant to corrosion and easier to maintain. Stainless steel contains high nickel content, making the steel's mechanical properties more stable and durable over time. This is also the element that helps steel resist oxidation in the marine environment, making stainless steel highly suitable for the shipbuilding industry.
10. Medical industry
Stainless steel contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium, forming a “passive” layer that prevents the surface from corroding. Stainless steel is also popular in the pharmaceutical industry, where hygiene and safety are strict. Here are some common applications of stainless steel:
- Wheelchairs and walkers
- Surgical equipment such as scalpels, forceps,...
- Medical needles and syringes
- Hospital bed
- Chemical and hazardous waste containers
- ...
Stainless steel is an indispensable construction material in today's life, contributing to important fields and industries. Choosing high-quality stainless steel can improve the aesthetics, quality and durability of the project. If you have any questions about the Vietnamese stainless steel market, please contact MRS Steel via Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn or Hotline: +84 28 36 22 33 58.
