22 replies to this topic

[MacCumhail]

So how does all this affect us given that we are using nichrome and kanthal wire which have chrome in them?

[Harlequin69]

MacCumhail, on 25 January 2012 - 09:45 PM, said:

So how does all this affect us given that we are using nichrome and kanthal wire which have chrome in them?

I am loathe to drag this back up but I didn't see this question when you posted it and I think it is a good question, I am trying to avoid definite answers as I cannot supply them. However here are my thoughts on the wire question.


Initially I didn't really have an answer, I could cite example of its use where if it would already be affecting us if it was going to such as toasters, electric heaters, hair dryers etc

With a bit more though I think I can provide a more complete answer:
Nichrome and Kanthal form an oxide layer that is chemically pretty inert, that is what gives them their corrosion resistant properties, so as soon as the oxide has formed (which is quickyl) these metals are no longer exposed to juice.
It is a bit more involved than that when you take expansion and contraction into account during heating and cooling as the oxide will crack but that is minute levels of exposure that oxide will reform on anyway.

I honestly doubt there is any effect (of consequence). This is based on my understanding which isn't of course an expert but is conclusive enough for me until someone with more knowledge comes along and sheds more light on it all.

[jimmyjack]

Stainless steels are iron alloys with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Other alloying elements are added to enhance their structure and properties such as formability, strength and cryogenic toughness. These include metals such as:

• Nickel
  
• Molybdenum
  
• Titanium
  
• Copper

Non-metal additions are also made, the main ones being:

• Carbon
  
• Nitrogen

this was taken from the
BRITISH STAINLESS STEEL ASSOCIATION