Rediscovering the Overlooked Origins of Stainless Steel
In 1912, Harry Brearley of the UK discovered a way to make stainless steel, but his discovery was overlooked and forgotten.
Harry Brearley was born in 1871 in Sheffield, England. Growing up in an industrial city known for its steel production, Brearley began his career as a laborer at a local steelworks company. His early exposure to the steel industry sparked an interest in metallurgy, which he diligently pursued. Over time, his skills and commitment to the field earned him international recognition as a metallurgist.
Discovery of Stainless Steel
During World War I, Brearley was assigned to develop a corrosion-resistant alloy for gun barrels. Through extensive experimentation, he discovered that adding chromium to low-carbon steel produced a material that resisted staining and corrosion. Initially focused on creating non-rusting rifle barrels, Brearley named this new material “rustless steel.”
Brearley’s research revealed that an alloy containing approximately 12 percent chromium provided optimal results. Unlike mild steels that rust quickly when exposed to air and water, this new alloy remained resistant even under heating and cooling processes. The key to its durability lay in chromium’s ability to form an invisible passive film that self-repairs in the presence of oxygen.
Challenges and Overlooked Potential
Despite the groundbreaking nature of his discovery, Brearley’s work did not receive immediate recognition in England. This oversight contributed to poor promotion and limited understanding of its potential applications beyond military use.
Parallel Research and Global Recognition
Around the same time, Benno Strauss and Eduard Maurer conducted similar research in Germany. They obtained patents for their findings in 1912 but did not commercialize their discoveries.
In contrast, American inventor Elwood Haynes recognized the broader applications of stainless steel. After realizing its potential beyond military uses, Haynes obtained the first patent on stainless steel. He saw how this new material could revolutionize everyday objects by making them more durable and hygienic, particularly in cutlery and food-related industries.
Legacy
Ironically, it was only later that Sheffield and its surrounding areas became prime sites for stainless-steel production once its full potential was realized. Today, Harry Brearley’s contribution is celebrated as a pivotal moment in materials science. His discovery has led to innovations with lasting impacts across various industries worldwide, from medical instruments to kitchen appliances and architectural structures.
Brearley’s legacy lives on through the widespread use of stainless steel—a testament to his ingenuity and perseverance in advancing metallurgical science.