inoxydable

Inoxydable is a term used to describe metals, especially steels, that resist corrosion by forming a passive oxide film on their surface. In English, the equivalent term is stainless steel; in French, “acier inoxydable” is the common name and “inoxydable” can refer to stainless metals in general.

Stainless steels are iron-based alloys containing at least about 10.5% chromium. The chromium reacts with oxygen to form a thin, adherent chromium oxide (Cr2O3) layer that blocks further oxidation. If the layer is damaged, it regenerates automatically in the presence of air. Many alloys also include nickel, molybdenum or vanadium to improve corrosion resistance, strength, and formability. Stainless steels are grouped into families such as austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation-hardening.

Key properties include high corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments, good mechanical strength, ductility, and easy fabrication. They can be heat-treated and are often used in hygienic or aesthetic applications because of their cleanable surfaces and ability to retain finish.

Common grades are 304 (approximately 18% chromium, 8% nickel) and 316 (with molybdenum for enhanced resistance to chlorides). Other grades offer higher strength or heat resistance. Applications span kitchenware and cutlery, medical devices, architecture, chemical processing, and automotive industries.

Historically, stainless steel was developed in the early 20th century, notably by Harry Brearley in 1913. The term inoxydable reflects the material’s resistance to oxidation and is widely used in French-speaking contexts.