General stainless steel is generally not resistant to chemical medium corrosion, while acid-resistant steel generally has corrosion resistance. The term "stainless steel" does not simply refer to a single type of stainless steel but indicates over a hundred industrial stainless steels. Each type of stainless steel developed performs well in its specific application field. The key to success is first to determine the purpose, and then to identify the correct steel type. The steel types commonly used in construction and structural applications are typically only six. They all contain 17-22% chromium, with better grades also containing nickel. Adding molybdenum can further...EnhanceAtmospheric corrosivity, particularly resistance to corrosion in chloride-containing atmospheres.
Stainless steel is a shorthand for acid-resistant steel. Steel that resists corrosion from weak agents like air, steam, and water, or steel with inherent corrosion resistance, is termed stainless steel; whereas steel that withstands corrosion from chemical agents such as acids, alkalis, and salts is called acid-resistant steel. Due to their differences in chemical composition, their corrosion resistance varies; common stainless steel is generally not resistant to chemical corrosion, while acid-resistant steel typically possesses corrosion resistance.