Applications and Demand of Stainless Steel in China
Introduction
Stainless steel, also known as corrosion-resistant steel, has been increasingly popular in the world due to its corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal. Accordingly, its applications and demand in China have been on the rise in the past decades, resulting into this interesting phenomena that China is among the biggest stainless steel suppliers for the global market. This essay will provide a detailed overview of the applications and demand of stainless steel in China, which is significant for both the Chinese and global citizens.
Background
Stainless steel is a steel alloy containing at least 10.5 % chromium, as well as other alloys such as nickel, molybdenum and titanium. This makes the steel highly corrosion resistant, as chromium produce an invisible surface layer known as chromium oxide, which works as a barrier to prevent corrosion. Additionally, the combination of different alloys in the steel grant it a great deal of mechanical strength, making it a preferred choice in numerous applications. Regarding the asthetic appeal, a series of stainless steel grades are available to produce different surface finish such as a brushed, mirror or matte finish.
Applications of Stainless Steel in China
The most common applications of stainless steel in China can be divided into three categories, based on the grade and type of steel used.
The first category is household appliance. Stainless steel is an ideal choice for household appliance due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. As commonly seen in refrigerators, ovens and other kitchen appliances, most of the outer surfaces are made of stainless steel in China. Additionally, stainless steel is also used in many furniture and renovation materials, such as outdoor patio furniture and public facilities. This is because stainless steel is durable and has very little of maintenance.
The second category is pipes and ducts. Stainless steel pipes are widely used to move various materials, including water, steam, and industrial liquids. In addition, many air ducts for air conditioners and ventilators, as well as other high temperature and pressure pipelines are made of stainless steel.
The third category is industry applications. Stainless steel is an important material in many industries, ranging from aerospace and automotive industry to biotechnology and medical industry. For example, many aircrafts components, car engines, medical equipment and precision instruments are made of stainless steel due to its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance.
Stainless Steel Demand in China
The demand of stainless steel in China has also been on a steady rise since 2002, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. This is attributed to the large population and the rapid urbanization in China, as there is an ever growing demand for durable household goods, pipes and industrial machineries.
According the China Stainless Steel Council, Chinas stainless steel market is expected to reach 49 million metric tons in 2018, accounting for 50.5% of the global stainless steel market. This reflects the significant growth of stainless steel demand in China. In terms of application, stainless steel is expected to be used in 21.6 million metric tons for household appliance, 9 million metric tons for pipes and ducts, and 18.4 million metric tons for industrial applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, China has become one of the biggest producers and consumers of stainless steel in recent years. The applications of stainless steel range from household appliance and pipes to industry demands, and the demand is expected to further increase in the coming years. As such, it is important for both Chinese and global citizens to be aware of the application and demand of stainless steel in China.
