Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel Be Recycled
Stainless steel is one of the most common and versatile metals in the world. It can be found in everything from cutlery and kitchen appliances to car parts and hose clamps. It is also used in a variety of industrial applications and medical equipment.
Unlike other metals, stainless steel does not rust or corrode and is 100% recyclable. It is made up of several elements, including iron and chromium. Chromium is what gives it its silvery appearance and what makes it corrosion resistant. Other components include nickel, manganese, nitrogen, phosphorus and selenium.
There are many different grades of stainless steel, but marine grade 316 is a specific type that has been engineered specifically for use in harsh environments like salt water. It is made up of a higher percentage of molybdenum than other grades, which helps it to resist pitting and crevice corrosion. It is also less likely to be affected by chloride solutions in seawater.
When using a marine grade of stainless steel, it is important to understand what conditions it will be subjected to in order to make sure it is the best choice for the application. For example, the 316 grade is ideal for applications that will be submerged in water, as it has excellent resistance to rust and other corrosion issues caused by salt, acid, cleaning products and other chemicals. It is also a good choice for applications where there will be a lot of contact with moisture as it has excellent anti-microbial properties.
Can Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel Be Recycled?
Marine grade 316 is also better suited to conditions that will see the steel exposed to chlorine than other grades, such as 304. This is due to the fact that it contains a higher level of molybdenum, between 2.0 and 2.5%, which helps to prevent the effect of chlorine on stainless steel. This is an issue that can occur with many other grades of stainless steel that are not designed for marine applications, as they may be susceptible to oxidation when exposed to chloride solutions.
316 stainless steel is also less reactive to other compounds, such as sulfuric and fatty acids, which can cause problems with other grades of steel. It also has superior resistance to high temperatures, which is why it is often used in chemical processing applications.
The low levels of carbon in 316 stainless steel also mean that it is non-magnetic and therefore not responsive to magnetic fields. This is a major benefit for applications that require a non-magnetic material, such as medical equipment.
Stainless steel is a popular and sustainable choice for building construction projects because it is durable, easy to clean and will not rust. It is also a good option for green buildings as it does not produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are harmful gases that have negative health effects.
Composed primarily of iron, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, marine grade 316 stainless steel possesses a superior resistance to corrosion compared to other stainless steel alloys. The addition of molybdenum enhances its resistance to chloride ions, which are abundant in seawater and are notorious for causing corrosion in metals. This makes marine grade 316 stainless steel particularly well-suited for marine and coastal environments where exposure to saltwater is constant.
