Stainless Background

Salit Specialty Rebar is a leading supplier of cut and pre-assembled stainless steel rebar and mesh.

History : Development of a Unique Alloyed Metal

The development of stainless steel has had a dramatic and beneficial effect on all aspects of society. This product was first created in England by Mr. Harry Brearley in August 1913, though the groundwork goes as far back as 1821.

What defines Stainless Steel?

What classifies steel as a stainless steel, as opposed to modified carbon steel, follows from the ASTM A941 (2010b) definition of a steel containing a minimum chromium content of 10.5 percent, and a maximum carbon content of less than 1.20 percent. The reinforcing bars commonly used today have a carbon content of less than 0.15 percent.

Stainless steel is composed of a mix of many alloys such as chromium, manganese, nickel, molybdenum and silicon which comprise over 30% of the content with the balance being iron.

How Stainless Steel works to resist Chlorides.

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is attributed to the thin passive film that forms spontaneously on its surface in oxidizing environments if the steel has a minimum chromium content of approximately 10.5%. As the film adheres strongly to the metal substrate and protects it from contact with the surrounding environment, the electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion are effectively stopped.

If locally destroyed, for example by scratching, the film can ‘heal’ by spontaneously re-passivating in an oxidizing environment. Essentially, stainless steel remains stainless, or does not rust, because of the interaction between its alloying elements and the environment.