inoxidable

Inoxidable is a term used to denote materials that resist oxidation and corrosion, most commonly stainless steel. In many languages, notably French (inoxydable) and Spanish or Portuguese variants (inoxidable, inoxidável), the word conveys the property of not easily rusting. In English, the corresponding term is stainless steel.

Stainless steels achieve corrosion resistance through a chromium-rich surface that forms a self-healing chromium oxide layer when exposed to air. Typical stainless steels contain at least about 10.5% chromium; nickel, molybdenum, and other elements modify properties such as formability, strength, and resistance to chlorides. They are grouped into families by crystal structure: austenitic (face-centered cubic, often non-magnetic), ferritic, martensitic, and duplex grades.

Common grades include 304 (approximately 18% chromium, 8% nickel; nicknamed 18/8), and 316 (18/12 with about 2–3% molybdenum), used for kitchenware and chemical processing, respectively. Standards such as AISI/SAE 304/316 and ISO 15510 regulate composition and tolerances.

Applications of inoxidable materials span food equipment, architecture, medical devices, and industrial equipment due to durability, hygiene, and aesthetic appeal. They can be polished to a high finish and maintain appearance over long periods, but performance depends on environment; high chloride exposure or poor cleaning can lead to localized corrosion.

Care considerations include avoiding contamination with iron or carbon steel particles that may cause rust spots, using non-abrasive cleaners, and avoiding chlorine-based cleaners on certain grades. Proper passivation and, where appropriate, protective coatings help maintain performance in aggressive environments.