Paslanmaz

Paslanmaz is a Turkish term that translates to “stainless” and is commonly used to refer to stainless steel. The word stems from pas, meaning rust, and lanmaz, meaning not becoming, reflecting the material’s resistance to rust and staining under ordinary conditions. In Turkish industry and daily language, paslanmaz çelik specifically denotes stainless steel alloys.

Stainless steels are iron-based alloys that contain a minimum of about 10.5% chromium. The chromium oxide that forms on the surface creates a thin, adherent passive layer that protects the underlying metal from corrosion. Additional elements such as nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, and nitrogen are used to enhance properties like strength, ductility, weldability, and resistance to particular corrosive environments. The combination of composition and this protective layer is what gives paslanmaz its characteristic durability.

The stainless steel family includes several main groups: austenitic (for example, grades 304 and 316), ferritic, martensitic, and duplex stainless steels. These categories differ in crystal structure and properties, influencing their suitability for specific applications. In many contexts, grades are identified by standards such as AISI/SAE or EN numbers. Austenitic grades are the most widely used due to their good formability and overall corrosion resistance; grade 316 is noted for better resistance in chloride-containing environments.

Applications of paslanmaz çelik span cookware, kitchen equipment and sinks, medical devices, architectural elements, and chemical processing equipment. While highly resistant to corrosion, stainless steels can still corrode under aggressive chlorides, acids, or in crevices and in contact with incompatible metals. Proper cleaning and maintenance help preserve the protective passive layer. In Turkish usage, paslanmaz çelik is the standard term for stainless steel in industrial and consumer contexts.