Which minimum percentage of chromium must be added to steel to provide the corrosion resistance characteristic of stainless steel?
1) 5%
2) 2%
3) 25%
4) 12%
π Explanation:
12% Chromium is
selected as the baseline required threshold to achieve optimal general corrosion
resistance. The chromium reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a
microscopic, self-healing, and passive chromium-oxide surface layer that
prevents rust and staining.