Chemical Properties of Materials
Chemical Properties
A chemical property is a characteristic of a material that only becomes noticeable during or after a chemical reaction.
Choosing materials with the appropriate chemical properties is essential in industries like food production, construction, aerospace, and consumer electronics, where exposure to heat, moisture, or chemicals can lead to failure or safety risks.
Key Chemical Properties
- Corrosion Resistance
- Reactivity (Food Safe)
- Hygroscopy
- Flammability
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosive Resistance
The ability of a material to resist damage caused by oxidation (like rust) or other chemical reactions with substances such as water, acids, or salts.
Factors Affecting Corrosion Resistance
- Material Composition: Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a protective oxide layer.
- Environmental Conditions: High humidity and salt increase corrosion rates.
- Protective Coatings: Paints or galvanisation can prevent exposure to corrosive elements.
- Ferrous metals contain iron, which makes them more susceptible to corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture and oxygen.
- As a result, they generally have low corrosion resistance.
- Stainless steel is an exception to this rule, it is a ferrous metal and contains a significant amount of iron, however, its chromium content gives it its corrosion-resistant properties.
| Ferrous Metals | Non-Ferrous Metals |
|---|---|
| Mild Steel | Aluminum |
| Cast Iron | Copper |
| Carbon Steel | Brass |
Stainless steel's corrosion resistance makes it suitable for kitchen appliances and medical instruments.
Reactivity (Food Safe)
Reactivity (food safe)
A chemical property that describes how likely a material is to react with food, air, or cleaning chemicals in a way that could make it unsafe for food contact.
Key Considerations
- Non-Toxicity: Materials must not leach harmful substances.
