What minimum percentage of chromium is required for an iron alloy to be classified as stainless steel?
Answer
10.5%
Stainless steel is fundamentally defined as an iron alloy that incorporates a minimum concentration of 10.5% chromium. This chromium content is vital because it reacts with oxygen to form a passive, protective oxide layer on the metal's surface. This naturally occurring layer is responsible for the material's primary characteristic: resistance to corrosion and rusting when exposed to environmental elements or bodily fluids. If the chromium content falls below this threshold, the alloy loses its essential stainless properties.
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