Improve corrosion resistance:
Chromium is a basic and important alloying element in stainless steel chain, and plays a decisive role in the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
When the chromium content reaches a certain proportion (usually the chromium content in stainless steel is ≥10.5%), a stable and dense Cr2O3 type passivation film can be formed on the surface of the steel. This passivation film has good stability and can resist corrosion from a variety of media, thereby significantly improving the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.
Chromium can also improve the stainless steel's resistance to uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion.
Enhance heat resistance:
Chromium can resist corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures by forming a dense oxide film, so that the stainless steel chain can still maintain stable performance in a high temperature environment.
Improve strength and hardness:
As a ferrite-forming element, chromium has the effect of expanding the ferrite phase region and shrinking the austenite phase region. With the increase of chromium content, the strength of duplex stainless steel will be significantly improved.
Chromium can also improve the hardenability of steel and reduce the transformation rate of austenite to ferrite and carbide, thereby optimizing the structure and performance of stainless steel.
Improve process performance:
Chromium has a positive effect on the mechanical properties and process properties of stainless steel, such as improving the oxidation resistance and tempering stability of steel, which helps stainless steel chains maintain good performance during manufacturing and use.