� TECHNOLOGY �
Enabling green energy through corrosion resistance
Some environmental breakthroughs in stainless steel come from the material ’ s inherent properties . Most notably , the corrosion resistance that initially made it ideal for weapons and ships has paved the way for new renewable energy installments .
Stainless steel owes most of its corrosion resistance to its high chromium content . Recent research builds on this original breakthrough by finding new ways of introducing chromium and other additives into the alloy . One method from a 2023 study dramatically increased the additives ’ protective properties — enough to use stainless steel for producing hydrogen from water .
Electrolysis often uses materials like titanium , making it difficult to scale affordably , which limits the growth of renewable hydrogen power . Now that stainless steel can achieve the same anticorrosive properties , it offers a more cost-effective alternative . Green hydrogen facilities can use it to reduce costs and expand sooner , making carbon-free electricity more widely available .
Combining stainless steel with microscopic structures can give it unique properties that open the door to new uses . Many of these applications have sustainable implications .
Sparking the quest for new additives
Stainless steel ’ s origins continue to drive other environmental improvements . Today , researchers are finding ways to boost the alloy ’ s utility by exploring different additives , just as metalworkers discovered how adding chromium improved its corrosion resistance .
Nanomaterials are the most exciting development here . Combining stainless steel with microscopic structures can give it unique properties that open the door to new uses . Many of these applications have sustainable implications .
Some nanomaterials improve stainless steel ' s antifouling and anticorrosive properties , making it suitable for electrolysis or as a replacement for more energy-intensive materials in biomedical devices . Others improve its strength-to-weight ratio , letting manufacturers use less of it to reduce material consumption .
Past innovations are driving tomorrow ’ s results
Modern breakthroughs are often the result of historical groundwork . Stainless steel ’ s environmental benefits highlight this trend .
The development of stainless steel alloys throughout history has led to unintended discoveries and benefits in other areas today . By building on this early work , researchers are making this material more eco-friendly and fit for the modern world .
14 Green Steel World | Issue 15 | November 2024