Can Stainless steel rust ?
Contrary to popular belief, Stainless Steels are susceptible to rusting.
Corrosion on metals is everywhere. We recognize it quickly on iron and steel as unsightly yellow/orange rust. Such metals are called “active” because they actively corrode in the natural environment.
Stainless steels are passive metals because they contain other metals, like chromium and nickel.
400 series stainless steels contain chromium while 300 series contain both chromium and nickel.
Metals are crystalline solids made up ion atom arrangements like tinker toys. With 12-30% chromium, an invisible passive film covers the steels surface acting as shield against corrosion. The metal becomes “passive” toward corrosion.
As long as the film is intact; not broken or contaminated, the metal is passive and stain-less.
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