It is a steel alloy with a minimum of 11.5 wt% chromium content. Although stainless still are not stain proof, they don’t rust or corrode as easily as its other counterparts. Stainless steel has its use in many products, but mostly in home appliances and cooking utensils.
The amount of chromium present is the main difference between carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is susceptible to rust in contact with air and moisture. In stainless steels, because of the added chromium, a passive layer of chromium oxide forms which prevents the metal from corroding.
Self-healing property is the uniqueness of Stainless steel. Due to the alloying elements used, a thin, transparent layer is created on the surface. In case of scratched or damaged surfaces, this few atoms thick thin layer immediately rebuilds with the presence of oxygen from air or water. This is the reason stainless steel requires no coating or other corrosion protection to remain bright and shiny even after thousands of users.