Stainless steel is a group of iron-based alloys containing at least 10.5% chromium, with added elements like nickel and molybdenum to enhance corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and fabricating properties. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) recognizes over 60 grades of stainless steel. Chromium forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, preventing rust by blocking oxygen from reaching the iron base.
“ Society is increasingly concerned about the health of the natural environment and the impact of materials on ecosystems. This awareness has led to the concept of “greening,” where the environmental performance of materials influences selection decisions.
The production process begins with selecting raw materials, which typically consist of 75-85% recycled stainless steel scrap and alloying elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. This mixture is melted in an electric furnace and transferred to an Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) vessel to reduce carbon content. Gaseous emissions are collected, and dust is recycled to recover metallic compounds. The molten stainless steel is then cast into slabs or ingots, which are further processed into various products through rolling, forging, or drawing.
Criteria for Evaluating the "Greenness" of Stainless Steel
A variety of criteria can assess the environmental performance of stainless steel, including:
Source: Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA).