Industrial Waters
Pure water has no effect, but chlorides (and other salts), even in small traces, are particularly harmful to stainless steels; steels containing molybdenum are more convenient.
Water Steam
Normally without effect, it can still cause problems if it contains certain types of impurities.
Natural Atmospheres, except for Marine Atmospheres
The higher the content of noble elements or surface polish, the higher is its resistance to natural elements
Marine and industrial atmospheres
Chrome steels alter very slowly but generally molybdenum steels constitute a better choice..
Nitric Acid
It attacks most industrial metals but stainless steels generally resist very well to nitric acid after the passivation of it’s surface: molybdenum is interesting only when the acid contains impurities
Sulphuric Acid
Its resistance depends on its concentration and the presence of oxidant impurities enhancing passivation. Generally, austenitic variations containing molybdenum are the best.
Phosphoric Acid
Resistance is generally good, but not with certain impurities, particularly hydrofluoric acid.
Acid Sulphites
Corrosion may be catastrophic since these solutions, commonly found in paper mills, contain a high degree of impurities. Once again, molybdenum alloys are preferable.