Chapter 2: The Early Discoveries

This chapter briefly describes the early discoveries of the key ingredients of and alloys of stainless steel that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries and the advancement that happened in the early part of the 20th century. The key ingredient and alloys covered include iron-chromium alloys, acid- and weather-resistant alloy, ferrochromium, martensitic stainless steel, chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels, and ferritic chromium stainless steel. Information on the early discoverers and pioneers of stainless steel is also provided.