Step 1: Stainless Steel Components
Stainless steel is an alloy composed mainly of iron, chromium, nickel, and carbon. Here's a breakdown:\n
- Iron (Fe): The base metal, providing the main structure and strength. It's malleable and forms the alloy's core.
- Chromium (Cr): Essential for corrosion resistance and durability. Stainless steel needs at least 10.5% chromium by weight, which creates a protective oxide layer, preventing rust and oxidation.
- Nickel (Ni): Enhances strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments. Nickel also contributes to the steel's shine and texture.
- Carbon (C): Increases hardness. The carbon content is typically kept low (under 2%) to balance strength and ductility.
Step 2: Stainless Steel Grades
Common grades of stainless steel include 304 and 316. Both contain iron, chromium (around 18-20%), nickel (8-10%), and small amounts of carbon. The specific amounts vary by grade and desired properties.\n
- 304 Stainless Steel: The most common type, known for corrosion resistance and general strength. It usually contains 18% chromium, 8% nickel, and a low carbon content.
- 316 Stainless Steel: A higher grade with better resistance to chloride corrosion (suitable for marine use). It contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, and also includes 2-3% molybdenum.
Step 3: Summary
The correct answer is option (1), as iron, chromium, nickel, and carbon are the main components of stainless steel. Other elements like tungsten and vanadium are sometimes added to specialized grades, but are not primary in standard stainless steel.\n
Conclusion:
Iron, chromium, nickel, and carbon