The Kraysysler's skyscraper in New York is constructed by stainless steel AISI-SAE 304 sheets..
Stainless steel is an iron-carbon-chromium alloy with a minimum chromium content of 10.5% by weight. Chromium creates a tiny layer (10-100 nm) of chromium trioxide (Cr2O3), which protects the metal substrate from oxidation and corrosion. In addition to chrome, stainless steels can also contain other alloy elements such as nickel, molybdenum, manganese, etc.
Stainless steels are produced in electric furnaces with scrap, ferro-alloys (e.g., ferro-chromium, ferronics, etc.) and other metallic additives. They are widely used in many applications that require corrosion resistance for economic reasons (eg chemical industry), for aesthetic reasons (eg architecture) or for hygiene (eg cooking utensils).
Compared to common steels, stainless steels, in addition to much higher corrosion resistance, also have higher mechanical strength. However, they are tougher than common steels and hence more ductile. Stainless steels also exhibit low thermal conductivity compared to common steels.
