DON'T LET SALT ASSAULT YOUR STAINLESS SURFACE

摘要

Stainless steels are increasingly used in architectural applications where the prime criteria is aesthetic. Unfortunately, there is frequently minimal attention paid to maintenance which may lead to cosmetic corrosion staining and owner angst. Guidelines on material selection have been developed including a simple, multi-parameter spreadsheet model. The effects of mechanical and chemical surface treatments and the interaction between them are considered in the light of the macro and micro environment. It shows that the knee jerk "use a higher grade" reaction is not necessarily the best response to an aggressive environment revealed by unexpected tea-staining. Finally, the routes for remedial action are considered. The results are applicable to chloride and other environments whether hot and marine or snowy and salt splattered.